Rates moved higher Wednesday as mortgage-backed securities gave back yesterday’s gains. This morning, the National Association of Realtors reported that the July Pending Home Sales Index fell by 1.3%, a bit more than forecast. The decline was attributed to increased mortgage rates in recent months. Today’s 5-year Treasury auction results were rated “poor”, adding upward pressure to rates. Oil prices jumped to $110 per barrel on concerns over Syria. No other key data will be released today.