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.6 \9 y9 n# j( ?) }7 ]" S; \
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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. 2 S. |( W) z4 C0 v3 d8 T7 @: Q # Y# J- n' G* J y7 i0 NInitial 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. 4 F+ i* q" k% \7 C- U0 i