U.S. existing home sales increased to a 10-month high in December, but further gains are likely to be limited by elevated mortgage rates and house prices, which are keeping many prospective buyers on the sidelines.

Existing-home sales were higher in December, but still came in at their lowest levels since 1995. Economists see positive trends that could continue into 2025.

U.S. existing home sales rose 2.2% to 4.24M in December, vs. the 4.19M consensus, from 4.15M in November (unrevised).