Stocks edged higher on Tuesday as much stronger-than-expected housing data pulled the financial sector higher, extending the rally that has taken the market to nine-month highs.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 33.63 points, or 0.36 percent, to end unofficially at 9,320.19. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained 3.02 points, or 0.30 percent, to finish unofficially 1,005.65. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> edged up 2.70 points, or 0.13 percent, to close unofficially at 2,011.31.

(Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Jan Paschal)