8:30a U.S. jobless claims drop 5,000 to 240,000 in late July 8:30a Four-week jobless claims average falls 2,500 to 241,750 8:30a U.S. dollar index holds modest gain after jobless claims data 8:31a Gold holds loss after jobless-claims report 8:31a August gold off 0.4% at $1,273/oz.