Daily Market Update 4/19/12

Rates inched lower Thursday on weaker than expected economic data.  This morning, weekly Jobless Claims fell to 386,000, above the consensus forecast of 375,000.  Existing Home Sales declined to 4.48 million annual units, below expectations.  Leading Indicators rose by 0.3%, slightly better than forecast.  The Philly Fed index, a survey of economic activity in the Philadelphia region, fell to 8.5 from 12.5 last month.  Readings above zero indicate expansion in the manufacturing sector.  Stocks were mixed.  No other key data will be released today.