Purchases of new U.S. homes fell in December to a 10-month low, suggesting the post-election jump in mortgage rates pushed out potential buyers.

Sales of previously owned U.S. homes declined more than forecast in December, data from the National Association of Realtors data showed Jan. 24. Still, sales for the full year were the strongest since 2006.

Holiday sales at Macy's Inc., Sears Holdings Corp. and J.C. Penney Co. were anemic, and U.S. government data just confirmed it.

Sales at U.S. retailers accelerated in December on the heels of stronger demand for motor vehicles, capping a year of improvement for the nation’s merchants.

Contracts to purchase previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly decreased in November on a sudden pickup in mortgage rates and limited inventory, according to figures released Dec. 28 from the National Association of Realtors in Washington.

Purchases of new U.S. homes increased in November to the second-fastest pace in almost nine years as the beginning of a spike in mortgage rates persuaded buyers to quickly sign contracts.

Sales of previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly increased in November to the strongest level since early 2007, ahead of a jump in borrowing costs, National Association of Realtors data showed Dec. 21.

Sales at U.S. retailers rose less than forecast in November, representing a pause in spending after robust gains in the previous two months.

CEOs of some of the largest U.S. companies became more optimistic about their sales and hiring prospects in the weeks before and after the presidential election in November, even as they pared plans for capital spending.