JOLTS Data Strengthens, US Job Openings Exceed Expectations
The number of job openings in the United States rose slightly in May 2026, indicating the labor market remains relatively strong amidst pressure from rising energy costs due to the Iran conflict. According to the latest data, job openings increased by 9,000 to 7.594 million, the highest level since May 2024.
This figure also exceeded market expectations of 7.30 million. The increase was primarily driven by the wholesale trade sector, which recorded an additional 71,000 job openings during the month.
Meanwhile, the number of new hires remained unchanged at 5.2 million. Total job separations were also relatively stable at 5.1 million, indicating that labor market volatility remains under control.
Within the separations component, the number of workers leaving was recorded at 3.1 million, with only a slight change compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, the number of layoffs and terminations remained unchanged at 1.7 million.
This data reinforces the view that the US labor market remains resilient, despite the economy facing pressures from energy prices and geopolitical uncertainty. This situation could again be a concern for the Federal Reserve when assessing the future direction of interest rate policy. (yds)
Source: Newsmaker.id
