Rates inched lower Thursday as concerns about Europe hurt stocks and boosted mortgage-backed securities. Fears about the stability of the banking system in Portugal and weak economic data from Italy resulted in a flight to safety for investors, lifting bonds and gold. Increased violence in Israel and Gaza also appeared to be a factor. In economic news, weekly Jobless Claims fell to 304,000, below the consensus forecast of 315,000. Results from today’s 30-year Treasury auction will be released at 1:00 PM.