Thought Of The Week U.S Jobless Claims, ECB Meeting, Flat Markets Initial unemployment claims, a proxy for layoffs, moved lower to 310,000 from 345,000 the prior week as the labour market continues toward a full recovery. Claims have trended lower since mid-July, a sign that employers are holding on to workers despite a rise in the Delta variant cases and weaker-than-expected August job report released last Friday. 235,000 jobs were added last month, falling far short of economists’ estimates for 720,000 with gains coming from leisure and hospitality while retailers cut jobs. With the aid programs ending on 6 September and people returning to workforce, it is better to grasp the real situation of the job market in November (Oct NFP) and December (Nov NFP). Meanwhile, ECB President Christine Lagarde said that it would conduct bond purchases under its emergency program at a “moderately lower pace” over the next...