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.( @- V5 N0 m* }; g6 e
- a! \' b4 G: k8 ^The sturdy jobs picture together with a strengthening housing market brings the Federal Reserve a step closer to raising interest rates this year.+ A) E- q$ ?6 ^) I0 u% Q
6 ~- e" o5 E) Z% }* j# z2 ?* i7 qInitial 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. 1 R% K! k" v+ Q; e8 g