Slightly more Americans signed contracts to buy homes in October, a modest rebound after two prior monthly declines. The figures add to evidence that the housing market has lost some of its momentum after rapid sales growth earlier this year. 

The National Association of Realtors said Monday that its seasonally adjusted pending home sales index rose 0.2 percent to 107.7 last month. The index has increased 3.9 percent over the past 12 months.

Healthy job gains and low mortgage rates boosted sales for much of the year. But rising home values and limited inventories have limited further growth in the closing months of 2015.

— Associated Press