New construction of U.S. homes rose 5.3% in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.123 million, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. Building permits - which foreshadow future activity - increased 2.5% to 2.155 million annual units. The increase was unexpected. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had expected starts to remain almost flat in November. "Housing once again shows its strength -- the zombie market that just won't die," said Robert Brusca, chief economist at FAO Economics