Markets end flat amid F&O expiry and Fed jitters; L&T gains 4.7% post Q1 results. Rupee breaches 87.40/USD; Nifty holds above 24,850, gold surges ₹400.

— Net hiring has plummeted over the past three months with job gains of just 73,000 in July, 14,000 in June and 19,000 in May — a combined 258,000 jobs lower than previously indicated. On average last ...