WASHINGTON — A fitful economic recovery is drawing strength from a stabilizing job market and signs that manufacturing will contribute to the rebound. The evidence signals a better-than-expected end to the year, though doubts remain about growth in 2010.

The latest signs of improvement came in two reports yesterday. The Labor Department said the number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for unemployment aid fell more than expected last week. The four-week average for claims, which smooths out fluctuations, fell for the 16th straight week to its lowest point since September 2008, when the financial crisis hit with full force.

Further evidence of an improving economy was a Commerce Department report that orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket durable goods rose in November. The overall increase was less than expected. But excluding the volatile transportation category, the gains were twice what economists had forecast.

MORTGAGE RATES INCH ABOVE 5%

McLEAN, Va. — The average fixed rate for a 30-year mortgage rose above 5 percent for the first time in two months, fueling a drop in mortgage applications.

The average fixed rate on a 30-year mortgage was 5.05 percent this week, up from 4.94 percent last week, Freddie Mac said. The last time rates were above 5 percent was the week ending Oct. 29, when they were 5.03 percent.

Mortgage rates have risen since they hit a record low of 4.71 percent the week of Dec. 3. They are closely tied to yields on long-term government debt, which have gone up since then.

APPLE'S STOCK HITS RECORD HIGH

NEW YORK — Apple Inc. shares hit a record high yesterday after a published report suggested the intensely scrutinized yet secretive company may be getting ready for a major product announcement.

Citing unnamed people familiar with the preparations, the Financial Times reported on its Web site Wednesday that Apple has rented space for several days in late January at a San Francisco arts center.

The company is famed for its highly staged launches. CEO Steve Jobs has used past events to introduce groundbreaking — and lucrative — gadgets such as the iPod and the iPhone.