1.   A few brokers predicted that a wave of sell orders would emanate from Merrill branches on Thursday as brokers rushed to lock in those gains.

2.   Ms. Latta pointed out that many buyers are rushing to lock in deals because they expect rates to go even higher while others are switching to adjustable rate mortgages.

3.   Starts of new U.S. housing rose unexpectedly in February as consumers rushed to lock in low mortgage rates.

4.   Starts of new U.S. housing unexpectedly rose to the highest annual rate in more than a year in February as homebuyers rushed to lock in low mortgage rates.

5.   U.S. home resales rose for a fifth straight month in September as buyers rushed to lock in low mortgage interest rates, suggesting continued slow economic growth.