First-time claims for jobless benefits in the US rose last week, which, coupled with last Friday’s downbeat jobs report has reignited fears about the pace of the country’s economic recovery. While some economists have said the numbers are a distortion caused by the early timing of the Easter and Passover holidays this year, rather than a sign that labour market conditions have deteriorated, others have said the data combined with disappointing payroll growth in last week’s jobs report for March is a reminder that fewer job losses do not necessarily mean new hiring. “The spike in energy prices is beginning...