Stocks muted this morning with US jobs data the clear focus for investors. The US weekly initial jobless claims report will be closely watched later today and tomorrow the nonfarm payrolls data is the big event of the week.

Currently the biggest potential market-moving issue is when will the US Fed begin tapering its asset purchase program – so there is a lack of commitment from investors ahead of any relevant data releases. The data today and tomorrow may have an influence re the question above and will certainly receive full attention and scrutiny.