Briefly

* U.S. new-home sales in July fell more than forecast to a 1.134-million annual rate, the slowest pace of the year and a sign that housing will provide less fuel for the economy in coming months. Single-family home purchases dropped 6.4% from a 1.211-million annual pace in June that was slower than previously estimated, the Commerce Department said. New-home sales reached a record 1.283-million rate in May.