AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

George's restaurant employee David Lopez works on filling a customers order, in Waco, Texas. Fewer people sought unemployment benefits last week, adding to signs that the job market is strengthening.

WASHINGTON — Fewer people sought U.S. unemployment benefits last week, adding to signs that the job market is strengthening.

And in another reassuring sign for the economy, wholesale inflation remains mild outside of higher gas prices.

Applications for unemployment aid dropped 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 351,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. Tha...