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. ; l: _& n) d* Q & r. ^1 ^- z2 Z S3 K |" YThe sturdy jobs picture together with a strengthening housing market brings the Federal Reserve a step closer to raising interest rates this year.5 P3 j7 E' n% b; f; ]3 R
7 P7 b9 F2 P. D# HInitial 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. " {9 C% U2 e/ j W( g4 k" L$ t