Mortgage rates inched higher Wednesday in spite of the release of weaker than expected economic data. The October Producer Price Index (PPI) fell 0.2%, as did the Core PPI, which excludes volatile food and energy components. Core PPI was 2.1% higher than one year ago, down from an annual rate of 3.0% earlier this year. Retail Sales declined 0.3% last month, although government officials suggested that the data was distorted by Hurricane Sandy. The Mortgage Bankers Association weekly purchase activity index rose 11.0%, while the refinancing activity index jumped 13.1%. Average reported 30-year fixed rates fell to 3.52%, not including fees, a new record low. Detailed minutes from the October 24 Fed meeting will be released at 2:00 PM.