Rates held steady Wednesday following the release of conflicting economic data. January New Home Sales jumped 9.6% to 468,000 annual units, well above forecast. Meanwhile, the Mortgage Bankers Association weekly purchase activity index fell 4% to the lowest level since 1995. Average reported conventional 30-year fixed rates rose to 4.53%, not including fees. Stocks moved modestly higher. Results from today’s 5-year Treasury auction will be released at 1:00 PM.