WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits last week fell to its lowest level in more than 41-1/2 years, suggesting the labor market maintained a solid pace of job growth in July.7 O9 e6 j% I1 v: M. F" g
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The sturdy jobs picture together with a strengthening housing market brings the Federal Reserve a step closer to raising interest rates this year.9 `; u) z$ Q; {0 ?1 h
; B& h2 z: _1 |. ?) Y% B8 kInitial claims for state unemployment benefits declined 26,000 to a seasonally adjusted 255,000 for the week ended July 18, the lowest level since November 1973, the Labor Department said on Thursday. 3 ^6 d- A8 z' S/ z) Q