Interest rates continued their upward trend Friday following the release of stronger than expected economic data. Consumer Sentiment rose to its highest level since September 2008. The Institute for Supply Management manufacturing index increased to a reading of 40.1, up from last month’s 36.3, and above consensus forecast. Factory Orders declined -0.9% in March. Stocks moved modestly lower. A more optimistic economic outlook and lack of new Fed actions to hold down yields pushed Treasury and mortgage rates higher for the week. The 10-year Treasury yield is now at the highest level since November. Investors will be closely watching next Friday’s Non-farm Payrolls report for April.