The S&P/Case Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas gained 13.3% through the 12 months ended in March on a seasonally adjusted basis, the largest annual price increase since December 2013. A Reuters poll of economists had forecast a 12.3% increase.
On month-to-month basis, the 20-city composite index rose 1.6% from February. Economists polled by Reuters had been expecting a 1.2% increase.
People briefed on the matter said Tuesday it was unlikely any deal would be reached before Trump leaves office on Wednesday. The Treasury Department did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
Retail sales dropped 0.7% last month, the Commerce Department said. Data for November was revised down to show sales declining 1.4% instead of 1.1% as previously reported.
This morning's disappointing retail sales figures reinforced the idea that more stimulus will be needed.