Rates inched lower Tuesday as increased tension with North Korea boosted bonds and mortgage-backed securities. In a provocative move, North Korea launched a mid-range ballistic missile designed to carry a nuclear warhead that flew over northern Japan and landed in the Pacific Ocean. Global stocks declined sharply on the news. In the U.S., Consumer Confidence rose unexpectedly to 122.9, beating forecast. Results from today’s 7-year Treasury auction will be released at 1:00 PM.