Applications for jobless aid higherWASHINGTON — More Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, but jobless claims remain at levels that suggest most workers enjoy job security.The Labor Department says claims for unemployment aid rose by 7,000 to a seasonally adjusted 265,000, highest since early August. Still, claims came in below 300,000 for the 87th straight week, longest such streak since 1970 when the workforce was much smaller.The less-volatile four-week average rose 4,750 to 257,750.Overall, 2.03 million Americans are collecting unemployment checks, fewest since June 2000 and down more than 7 percent from a year earlier.

US productivity up at 3.1 percent rateWASHINGTON — The productivity of American workers rose in the July-September quarter at the fastest pace in two years, while labor costs slowed.Productivity increased at a 3.1 percent rate in the third quarter, the Labor Department reported Thursday. It was a significant improvement from the previous three quarters when productivity had fallen. Unit labor costs edged up a modest 0.3 percent in the third quarter, compared to a 3.9 percent jump in the second quarter.The productivity figure was the best showing since a 4.2 percent gain in the third quarter of 2014. But the rebound was expected to be temporary.

Average US 30-year mortgage rate risesWASHINGTON — Long-term U.S. mortgage rates jumped this week, reaching their highest levels since late June amid indications of strength in the economy.Mortgage giant Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 3.54 percent from 3.47 percent last week. Rates remain near historically low levels, however. The benchmark 30-year rate is down from 3.87 percent a year ago. Its all-time low was 3.31 percent in November 2012.The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, popular with homeowners who are refinancing, increased to 2.84 percent from 2.78 percent.

Starbucks reports 23 percent riseNEW YORK — Starbucks reported a 23 percent rise in profit in its fourth quarter, thanks to rising sales at its coffee shops and benefiting from an extra week in the period. The company’s results beat Wall Street expectations, and it announced a 25 percent increase in its dividend.The Seattle-based company reported net income of $801 million, or 54 cents per share, in its fiscal fourth quarter. Adjusted earnings came to 56 cents per share, beating the 55 cents per share analysts expected.Revenue rose 16 percent to $5.71 billion, beating the $5.69 billion analysts expected.