Mortgage rates held steady Thursday as weaker than expected economic data offset a rise in stocks and oil prices. This morning, December Durable Goods Orders fell 5.1%, well below expectations. Weekly Jobless Claims fell to 278,000, close to forecast. Pending Home Sales rose by 0.1%. An increase of 0.8% had been expected. Results from today’s 7-year Treasury auction will be released at 1:00 PM.