Ceiling hit

The National Association of Realtors reported that sales of existing homes unexpectedly dropped 1 percent in December, as the lowest supply in more than a decade cut into the industry’s best year since 2007.

Blocked

The IRS has suspended its regulation of tax-return preparers in response to a federal court ruling that said the agency lacked authority to do so.

Whale crew

JPMorgan Chase raised the average restricted stock awards for CEO Jamie Dimon’s operating committee by 12.9 percent in 2012, rewarding executives who helped clean up the “London Whale” trading loss.

Raj appeal

Ex-Goldman Sachs Director Rajat Gupta asked a federal appeals court for a new insider-trading trial, arguing that evidence in his favor was kept from the jury.

RIM hits Wal

Walmart will sell Research In Motion’s new BlackBerry 10 in Canada and possibly the US, giving the smartphone maker another ally in its comeback effort.