U.S. jobs, inflation data point to sustained economic strength

By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly held steady near a 43-year low last week, pointing to further momentum in the labour market after job growth surged in June. The signs of sustained strength in the economy, together with a U.S. stock market rally, could allow the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates later this year. "The days of falling prices are pretty much over and the labour market is strengthening, which raises