U.S. existing-home sales unexpectedly rose 1.7% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.09 million, as lower mortgage rates helped boost buyer activity, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Monthly sales increased in the Midwest, South, and West but decreased in the Northeast. Sales increased year-over-year in the South, but fell in the Northeast, Midwest, and West. | 
