The week of August 29 - September 2 ended on a sour note amid a flurry of bad news on the economic and public policy fronts, although most equity markets finished a volatile week little changed despite all the economic volatility that dominated the week. This week (September 5 - 9) is a quiet one for economic data, but given the uncertain backdrop, the reports that are due out are likely to receive extra attention from market participants. The light week for economic data and events opens the door for policy to take enter stage, at home and abroad. The major reason for the dour end to last week was a disappointing employment report. We examine the few plusses and many minuses of the report.

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