Dow Jones Industrial Average index edged higher on Friday though the gains were limited as data showed the sales of new homes in US unexpectedly fell 1.6% in February. Blue chip index appreciated 0.27% or 34.59 points and settled at 13,080.73 with 19 of 30 shares posting gains. After long period of decline Hewlett Packard retreated and traded 2.6% up. Bank of America also surged 2.6% while J P Morgan Chase advanced 1.1%. On the downside Verizon Communications and AT&T each declined 0.6%.