US job openings rise slightly to 7.3 million as labor market remains sturdy despite higher costs
US job openings increased slightly to 7.3 million in July, indicating stable labor demand despite higher costs. While openings rose, hiring and layoffs both ticked lower during the same period. This growth follows a sharp downward revision of the previous month's data. Some analysts describe the July figures as soft, while others view the labor market as sturdy. Overall, the market remains challenging for employees seeking to change jobs as hiring speeds fail to accelerate.
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- ✓ US job openings rose to 7.3 million in July.
- ✓ Hiring and layoffs both decreased in July.
- ✓ Job openings in July increased compared to a revised figure for June.
What changed
July job openings rose to 7.3 million following a sharp downward revision of June data.
Live updates
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US Job Openings Rise to 7.3 Million in July
US job openings increased slightly to 7.3 million in July, indicating stable labor demand despite higher costs. While openings rose, hiring and layoffs both ticked lower during the same period. This growth follows a sharp downward revision of the previous month's data. Some analysts describe the July figures as soft, while others view the labor market as sturdy. Overall, the market remains challenging for employees seeking to change jobs as hiring speeds fail to accelerate.
Why it matters
The JOLTS report provides a critical measure of labor market tightness and economic health. These figures influence gold prices and broader expectations regarding employment stability. Recent revisions to state-level data, such as in California, suggest previous counts may have underestimated actual employment.
What is confirmed
- US job openings rose to 7.3 million in July.
- Hiring and layoffs both decreased in July.
- Job openings in July increased compared to a revised figure for June.
Still unconfirmed
- Gold prices are down because JOLTS data highlights ongoing labor market weakness.
- California's job count as of March 2026 was 43,000 workers higher than the 18.2 million previously reported.
- The labor market is becoming more difficult for Americans wanting to leave their current jobs.
What to watch next
- Future JOLTS reports to determine if hiring speeds accelerate.
- Further revisions to state-level employment data.
- Impact of labor costs on future job opening trends.
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (10)
- Bloomberg.com — US Job Openings Edge Higher in Sign of Stable Labor Demand
- Yahoo Finance — The labor market was little changed in July, with hiring and layoffs both inching lower
- KITCO — Gold prices remain down as U.S. JOLTS highlight ongoing weakness in labor market
- MarketWatch — Where are all the new jobs? Hiring slows again — and it probably won’t speed up soon.
- WSJ — U.S. Job Openings Rose in July as Hiring Ticked Down
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — U.S. job openings rise slightly to 7.3 million as labor market remains sturdy despite higher costs
- Investopedia — The Labor Market Is Getting Harder for Americans Who Want to Leave Their Job
- Reuters — US job openings rise in July after sharp downward revision in prior month
- Investing.com — U.S. July job openings come in soft, but tick up from revised June figure
- www.dailybulletin.com — California gains 43,000 more jobs than first reported
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