The U.S. trade deficit fell in July to its lowest level in five months as exports rose broadly, signaling underlying strength in the economy amid concerns about a global growth slowdown. While other data on Thursday showed an increase in the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits, the trend in jobless claims remained consistent with a strengthening labor market. The Commerce Department said the trade gap narrowed 7.4 percent to $41.9 billion, the smallest since February.