04:02 PM EDT, 03/25/2025 (MT Newswires) -- US benchmark equity indexes ended higher Tuesday as traders parsed the latest economic data and remarks by a Federal Reserve governor.

* New-home sales in the US increased less than expected in February even as prices dropped, government data showed.

* Separately, US consumer confidence waned for a fourth consecutive month in March, and by more than economists projected, as expectations plunged to a 12-year low amid economic uncertainty, the Conference Board reported.

* Fed Governor Adriana Kugler said the Federal Open Market Committee can react to new developments by holding its benchmark lending rate steady "for some time" as it monitors incoming data and the cumulative effects of new government policies.

* May West Texas Intermediate crude oil was little changed at $69 per barrel, while May Brent crude, the global benchmark, was last seen up $0.12 to $73.12, following reports that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a ceasefire over the Black Sea, though supply concerns continue after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on imports from countries that import oil from Venezuela.

* Apple ( AAPL ) is likely to avoid a possible fine as the company has made changes to the iPhone's browser design to comply with the Digital Markets Act, and the European Commission is poised to conclude its investigation early next week, Reuters reported Tuesday, citing sources. Shares rose 1.4%.

* Merck ( MRK ) secured exclusive global rights to develop and sell China-based Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals' heart disease drug in a deal worth up to about $2 billion. Merck ( MRK ) shares were down 4.7%.