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.0 @+ J/ u2 |0 J* [9 D" r* d9 g7 ~
2 _/ v5 X4 O- _+ C/ eThe sturdy jobs picture together with a strengthening housing market brings the Federal Reserve a step closer to raising interest rates this year.$ c: v5 @$ l+ {$ A
7 M8 M n' @0 V1 i: DInitial 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. & ?! I6 q: o+ I3 M* b& I1 s# K1 J) T