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.; b& ^2 \! Q1 c f. D/ v1 t
7 {5 P7 U: H% \7 s4 n; JThe sturdy jobs picture together with a strengthening housing market brings the Federal Reserve a step closer to raising interest rates this year. 8 o: G: u8 R' Q% L$ E2 Z5 c: t3 s/ R& D9 `: v8 p9 Q5 P6 h: d' ~
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. 4 W5 e% C0 x% \4 I