Talks under way to form drug giantTRENTON, N.J. — Pfizer and Botox maker Allergan are discussing a potential deal that could be the biggest of 2015.A merger could enable Viagra maker Pfizer, the world’s second-biggest drugmaker by revenue, to surpass Switzerland’s Novartis AG and regain the industry’s top spot. It would also add Allergan’s brand-name medicines for eye conditions, infections and heart disease to Pfizer’s extensive portfolio of vaccines and drugs for cancer, pain, erectile dysfunction and other conditions.

Walmart keeps limit on free shippingNEW YORK — Walmart is promising it won’t be beat on prices this holiday season, but online shoppers shouldn’t expect free shipping without any restrictions.In a sneak peak to its holiday strategy, the retailer said it will offer price cuts, or what it refers to as “rollbacks,” starting Nov. 1 on thousands of holiday products that will last at least 90 days. But as competitive pressure mounts for free holiday shipping, Walmart is sticking with its $50 minimum. It encourages those whose orders fall short to pick them up at the store.

U.S. jobless claims reach 42-year lowWASHINGTON — The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment aid barely rose last week and the average level of applications in the past month fell to a 42-year low.The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications rose just 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 260,000, a very low level historically that suggests employers are cutting few jobs.

Starbucks reports 4Q sales gainsSEATTLE — Starbucks delivered another quarter of sales gains as more customers visited its stores worldwide. But the coffee giant’s shares slipped in extended trading Thursday after it issued a modest profit forecast for the current quarter.The company said it expects to earn 44 to 45 cents per share for the current period, just shy of the 47 cents per share that analysts were expecting. Starbucks otherwise reported an impressive fiscal fourth quarter — earning $652.5 million, or 43 cents per share, meeting forecasts.

Apple opens its first stores in Arab worldDUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Apple opened its first retail stores in the Arab world on Thursday in the luxury malls of the United Arab Emirates, hoping to sell wealthy consumers new high-end smartwatches.Apple’s two new stores, at Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates and Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall, find themselves alongside other global luxury brands. Industry watchers say Apple wants to give wealthy consumers hands-on experience with its new Apple Watch line, with some of the timepieces costing $17,000.