Summary
U.S. job openings in August stayed nearly the same, with 7.23 million available positions, slightly more than July's 7.21 million. The Labor Department data countered economists' predictions of a drop to 7.1 million, amid worries about trade policies and a potential government shutdown.
Key Facts
- U.S. job openings in August were 7.23 million, a small increase from July's 7.21 million.
- Economists expected job openings to decrease to 7.1 million.
- The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) showed fewer layoffs last month.
- The number of people quitting their jobs went down, indicating less confidence in finding new opportunities.
- The rate of hiring was the slowest since June 2024.
- Job openings have decreased since reaching a high of 12.1 million in March 2022.
- The changes happen amidst economic uncertainties due to trade policies and a possible government shutdown.
