Mortgage rates improved today

following Friday afternoon's gains. Mortgages are not getting their typical boost from social political turmoil today, however. Civil unrest in Egypt continues to dominate US headlines, while their stock market remains closed for the second straight business day, and is rumored to be closed for a third tomorrow. On the home front, the US consumer is showing continued strength due to increased personal spending, and a stable "core" inflation outlook despite rising commodity costs. Exports are also growing, with capital goods orders coming out of emerging markets, the US economy continues its fragile recovery.