ActualPrevious
Adjusted2.8%2.8%
Not Adjusted2.8%2.9%

Highlights

The number of unemployed rose a seasonally adjusted 1,849 in April, but not enough to change the unemployment rate which held at 2.8 percent, the same as last month. The unadjusted jobless rate was 2.8 percent, up from 2.3 percent from a year ago with the number of unemployed rising 23,144 from April of last year.

Vacancies fell on and adjusted and unadjusted basis, down 977 in April to 39,446 (adjusted) while declining 1.6 percent from a year ago to 40,887.

The number of jobseekers was 209,121 in April, increasing by 2,753 over March on a seasonally adjusted basis, nearly the same as the 209,075 unadjusted level which is 31,505 more than a year ago.

A total of 16,928 workers have been unemployed for over a year, an increase of 4,503 (36.2 percent).

While the unemployment rate remains low, the drop in vacancies, the increased number of jobseekers, and higher long-term unemployment indicates a somewhat softer labor market.

Definition

The unemployment rate measures the number of unemployed as a percentage of the labour force. Both seasonally adjusted and unadjusted monthly data are provided.

Description

Like the employment data, unemployment data help to gauge the current state as well as the future direction of the economy. Employment data are categorized by sectors. This sector data can go a long way in helping investors determine in which economic sectors they intend to invest.

By tracking the jobs data, investors can sense the degree of tightness in the job market. If employment is tight it is a good bet that interest rates will rise and bond and stock prices will fall. In contrast, when job growth is slow or negative, then interest rates are likely to decline - boosting up bond and stock prices in the process.
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