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.& ^* z/ d/ x: J# I
2 ^* G5 w* G9 k7 h) q7 E
The sturdy jobs picture together with a strengthening housing market brings the Federal Reserve a step closer to raising interest rates this year.8 m& t% m- P4 H C- G
% |6 K* S8 K( [( P0 j4 FInitial 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. ; a( z0 o+ B$ w