Mortgage rates were somewhat distressed, to say the least, after yesterday's various news stories pertaining to the US/China trade deal.  For a variety of reasons, that's the biggest consideration for financial markets at the moment, and interest rates are no exception.  Rates were pushed to the upper edge of their recent range as the signing of the first phase of the trade deal looked increasingly likely by the end of the week.

While both sides basically acknowledged the progress on the deal (and even the probability that it will be signed), it was not, in fact, actually signed.  Additionally, several details still need to be cleared up before that happens.  

The absence of a more concrete trade deal conclusion proved beneficial for rates.  As far as underlying bond markets are concerned, much of yesterday's damage was undone.  Mortgage lenders would likely need one more day with bonds holding current levels before getting their rate sheet offerings back to Wednesday's levels, but they got fairly close by the end of business today.