WASHINGTON >> The costs of borrowing to buy a home increased slightly this week, but U.S. mortgage rates are still near relative lows.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages rose to 3.94 percent from 3.88 percent last week. At this time last year, the benchmark rate was 3.47 percent.

Long-term home loan rates tend to track the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes. The interest charged on 10-year Treasury notes has risen since early September, possibly in anticipation of tax cuts pushed by President Donald Trump that could cause the amount of government debt to climb.

Average mortgage rates began to rise after Trump’s election nearly a year ago in anticipation of tax cuts, climbing to as high as 4.32 percent at the end of last year. But rates began to slope downward again this year as the intended tax overhaul is unfolding at a slower and less certain pace than what the president promised.

UPS expects record year for holiday shipping

ATLANTA >> UPS expects to handle a record 750 million packages over the holiday shopping period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve this year.

The shipping giant, based in Atlanta, said it expects delivery volume to be up 5 percent this year over last year’s holiday peak season, as online shopping continues to grow.

But it could be more expensive to ship packages this year. UPS is adding peak season surcharges for the 2017 holiday season. And starting Dec. 24, UPS is increasing its rates an average of 4.9 percent.

Holiday shipping volume on UPS is nearly double its regular volume. For the holiday season the company is hiring 95,000 temporary workers. UPS said its new Saturday ground pickup and delivery service will help it to handle increased volume.

ON THE MOVE

>> Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children has announced Dr. Camilla Fraga Lovejoy as one of its medical specialists. She is board-certified in pediatric gastroenterology and pediatrics. Lovejoy completed her residency at Miami Children’s Hospital and finished a pediatric gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital.

>> Ameriprise Financial Services has announced that Dondi Vinca has joined the company’s Honolulu office. Vinca’s responsibilities include offering financial advice to clients.

>> Anthology Marketing Group has promoted David Pettinger to executive vice president of its Research Group, which was formerly known as Qmark Research. He also will be a member of the company’s executive team. Pettinger has been with Anthology Marketing Group since March 2010.