Realtors group says sales of existing homes fell more sharply than expected in June as the housing industry continued to be bruised by the worst slump in more than two decades.

Credit Suisse Group's profit skidded 62 percent from a year ago, but was a major improvement from the loss it posted in the first three months of this year.

Oil market investors tried but failed to start a rally in crude Thursday, leaving prices hovering below $125 a barrel after an earlier move higher. At the gas pump, prices continued their retreat.

Oil prices rose Thursday after shedding nearly $4 a barrel in the previous day's session on concerns that high fuel prices are dampening demand in the world's biggest energy consuming country.