Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
3h ago

U.S. Job Openings Fall to 6.9 Million as Hiring Hits Six-Year Low

The report signals cooling labor demand with fewer quits alongside higher layoffs.

An employee hiring sign with a QR code is seen in a window of a business in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., April 7, 2023. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz
Job opportunities were expected to have declined in February, as the US labor market remains in a 'low-hire, low-fire' state. Economists expected job openings to decline to 6.84 million from 6.95 million in January.
A now hiring sign sits on the side of the road in Garland, Texas, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Overview

  • Labor demand cooled after Tuesday's JOLTS report showed openings at 6.882 million in February, down from a revised 7.240 million in January.
  • Hiring dropped to 4.849 million, the lowest since March 2020, even as the unemployment rate holds at 4.4%.
  • Quits fell to 2.974 million as layoffs rose to 1.721 million, pointing to weaker worker confidence and less voluntary job switching.
  • Openings declined across most sectors, led by leisure and hospitality down 213,000 and private education and health down 78,000, with a gain only in professional and business services up 64,000.
  • Markets reacted to the softer data with a weaker dollar, higher gold and silver prices, and gains in U.S. stocks.