WASHINGTON - Sales of new homes rose in April for the first time in six months, although the unexpected increase still left activity near the lowest level in 17 years.

NEW YORK -- Wall Street moved sharply higher Wednesday after the Commerce Department reported an unexpected increase in retail sales last month and eased some concerns about consumers' willingness to spend despite economic uncertainty. The Dow Jones industrials rose nearly 150 points.

NEW YORK -- Treasury prices fell Wednesday after a new retail sales report showed an unexpected increase in consumer spending for January after the dismal holiday season.