Daily Market Update 5/18/10

30-year fixed rates remained below 5% Tuesday on tame inflation and mixed housing data. The April Producer Price Index (PPI) declined unexpectedly by -0.1%. Core PPI, which excludes food and energy components, rose at a low 1.0% annual rate. April Housing Starts increased 5.8% to an 18 month high, while Building Permits, a leading indicator, fell -11.5%. Stocks moved higher. No other data will be released today.