US MARKETS STEADY ON THUR AHEAD OF EMPLOYMENT REPORT

>Weekly jobless claims slightly better at 367k, down from 379k; market had expected 370K
>Noticeable improvement in continuing claims, fell to 3.4 mn - best since late-2008
>Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke defends loose policy: -
* Factors dampening investment, including uncertainty surrounding European bank woes might be waning
* But risks that developments in Europe or elsewhere may unfold unfavorably continue to be an overhang
* Economy still vulnerable, but spending, production and jobs have improved
>Greek negotiations continued, which stuck on wage and bonus payments to cut deficit