The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell by 7,000 to 227,000 last week, according to the Labor Department. The four-week average also dropped to 236,500. Despite rising interest rates and some signs of economic slowdown, the job market remains relatively strong. The Federal Reserve's previous rate hikes have started to impact job growth, with hiring slowing and unemployment ticking up. However, inflation has decreased significantly, leading to expectations of potential rate cuts in September.