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 ~% o- w2 s& I1 l! ^ 5 B s! n& M+ e9 v- V: oThe sturdy jobs picture together with a strengthening housing market brings the Federal Reserve a step closer to raising interest rates this year.- n8 Y O. J% e; P4 J
& v. u0 K g" W/ B! ~Initial 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 o4 q; G- q4 f