NEW YORK, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Crude prices ended higher on Monday as the U.S. dollar weakened against a basket of major currencies and Wall Street rallied to a new 2009 high.

    Light, sweet crude for January December delivery gained 9 cents to settle at 77.56 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

    The Dollar weakened on Monday after gaining in most sessions last week, giving crude a boost by making it relatively cheap for dealers holding other currencies.

    Meanwhile, Wall Street rallied, with main averages surging to anew 2009 high, as data showed sales of U.S. homes increased more than forecast.

    In London, Brent Crude for January delivery added 26 cents to settle at 77.46 dollars a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange.