Sales of previously owned homes in April declined 0.5% from March to a seasonally adjusted, annualized rate of 4 million units, according to the National Association of Realtors. That is the slowest April pace since 2009. Sales were down 2% from April of last year. Housing economists were expecting a gain of 2.7%.

U.S. existing home sales unexpectedly fell in April despite a temporary drop in mortgage rates and increased supply, and could remain lackluster this year amid rising economic uncertainty.

The slowest sales pace for any April in 16 years indicates the spring selling season is shaping up as a bust.