U.S.: Job openings in August slightly increased to 7.23 million, hiring decreased

Actual new hires fell by 114,000 in August, leaving employment weak

In August, U.S. job openings (JOLTS) were 7,227,000, a slight increase. However, actual employment by firms remained weak, suggesting a decline in employers' demand for workers.

On the 30th (local time), the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said that job openings through the end of August were 7,227,000, an increase of 19,000 from July's revised figure. Job openings rose above experts' forecast of 7,185,000.

However, actual hires in August fell by 114,000 to 5,126,000. Layoffs also fell by 62,000 to 1,725,000.

U.S. job openings peaked above 12,000,000 in early 2022 and have since declined.

Economists are watching closely whether employers cutting hiring and unemployed people taking longer to find new jobs are signs of an economic slowdown. Last month, the employment rate fell to 3.2%, marking the lowest since June 2024. The layoff rate remained unchanged at a low level.

Kim Jeong-ah, contributing reporter kja@hankyung.com