Rates faced upward pressure Thursday on mixed economic data. Weekly Jobless Claims fell to 472,000, close to expectations. Second quarter Productivity was revised lower to -1.8%, a bit below forecast. Pending Home Sales rose unexpectedly by 5.2% in July, indicating the housing market may be stabilizing following the expiration of home buyer tax credits April 30. Factory Orders rose by 0.1%. An increase of 0.3% had been expected. Investors will be closely watching tomorrow’s Employment Report for August which is scheduled for release at 8:30 AM.