Mortgage rates inched higher Friday on positive economic news. Durable Goods Orders declined 1.3% in March, but excluding volatile aircraft orders, the report was much stronger than expected. New Home Sales jumped 27% in March to the highest level since last July. The looming expiration of homebuyer tax credits April 30 was credited with much of the increase. CNBC reported that at least six Federal Reserve committee members favor selling some of the $1.25 trillion of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) the Fed has purchased since late 2008 by the third or fourth quarter of this year. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Fed meets next Wednesday, although no such announcement is expected. Also next week, advance first quarter GDP figures are due out on Friday. MBS markets may be volatile through the week.