A report showing an improvement in the housing market gave stocks a boost, but concerns about Europe and a disappointing consumer confidence report kept gains modest.

The Dow advanced 32 points, well off of its highs, with 16 of its 30 components gaining ground; the S&P 500 rose 6; and the Nasdaq was higher by 17. Advancers led decliners by seven to four on the NYSE and four to three on the Nasdaq. The prices of Treasuries weakened. Gold futures fell $13.50 to close at $1,574.90 an ounce, and the price of crude oil staged a last-minute recovery, rising 15 cents to settle at $79.36 a barrel.

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Crime doesn’t pay (much)