U.S. labor market data supportive of rate hike

By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S. applications for unemployment benefits last week held steady at levels consistent with a strengthening labor market and job openings rose in September, encouraging signs for the Federal Reserve as it contemplates raising interest rates next month. Labor market resilience, despite faltering global growth, underscores the U.S. economy's strong fundamentals. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits were unchanged at a seasonally adjusted 276,0