| Consensus | Consensus Range | Actual | Previous | Revised | |
| Job Openings | 7.358M | 7.150M to 7.500M | 7.271M | 7.359M | 7.182M |
Highlights
The July JOLTS data came in below expectations, along with downward revisions to both the job openings and hires level in June. Not enough of a step backwards to worry monetary policymakers, with the separations data confirming stable labor market conditions at modest levels. The focus remains on inflation data to shift the Federal Reserve from its holding pattern on interest rates.
The number of job openings rose to 7.271 million (4.4 percent) in July, following a downward revision to June from 7.359 million to 7.182 million (4.3 percent) in June – but below expectation of 7.358 million in the Econoday survey of forecasters. Job openings are higher by 182,000 compared to a year ago.
July hires were 5.054 million (3.2 percent), after a downward revision from 5.348 million to 5.332 million (3.4 percent) in June and were lower by 171,000 compared to July 2025.
The number of total separations was 5.072 million (3.2 percent) in July, vs. a downwardly revised 5.337 million (3.4 percent) in June.
Within separations, July quits were at 3.056 million (1.9 percent) after 3.213 million (2.0 percent) in June, while layoffs and discharges came in at 1.666 million (1.0 percent) following 1.785 million (1.1 percent) in June.
Market Consensus Before Announcement
The consensus sees job openings pretty steady at a 7.358 million rate versus 7.359 million in June.