Despite the release of stronger than expected economic data, mortgage rates stabilized Tuesday after moving higher late Monday. Conventional 30-year fixed rates have now risen by 1/2% in the past week. In economic news, Retail Sales jumped 0.8% in October, above the consensus forecast of 0.6%. In addition, September figures were revised higher. Separately, the Empire State index, a survey of manufacturing activity in the New York region, rose to 1.5, beating expectations. Readings above zero indicate expansion in the manufacturing sector. Import Prices rose 0.5%, slightly above forecast. No other key data will be released today.