Actual | Previous | |
---|---|---|
Adjusted | 2.8% | 2.8% |
Not Adjusted | 2.8% | 2.9% |
Highlights
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
Description
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.