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labor market

An employee hiring sign with a QR code is seen in a window of a business in Arlington, Virginia, on April 7, 2023. (REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz)
Jun 2, 2026

Job openings rise by most in 2 years; hiring weak amid economic uncertainty

U.S. job openings increased by the most in two years in April, but the surge likely overstates the labor market's health.

A "we're hiring" sign is displayed on the door of a local business, after U.S. employment growth slowed more than expected in July, in Encinitas, California, on Aug. 1, 2025. (REUTERS/Mike Blake)
May 8, 2026

Economy posts second straight month of strong job gains, but strains remain

U.S. employment increased more than expected in April while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%, pointing to labor market resilience.

A "for sale" sign is shown for a residential home in Encinitas, California, on July 25, 2025. (REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo)
Apr 13, 2026

Existing home sales hit nine-month low in March

Existing home sales fell to a nine-month low in March amid tight inventory and growing concerns over the labor market.

A sign posted outside a Target store states the company is hiring in Encinitas, California, on March 30, 2026. (REUTERS/Mike Blake)
Apr 3, 2026

Job growth accelerates by the most in 15 months in March

U.S. job growth rebounded sharply in March as a strike by health care workers ended and temperatures warmed up, but downside risks for the labor market are mounting.

A pedestrian passes a "Help Wanted" sign in the door of a hardware store in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 8, 2022. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo)
Mar 12, 2026

Low layoffs anchoring labor market; Iran war poses threat to stability

Filings for unemployment fell last week, suggesting labor market conditions remained stable even after the economy shed jobs in February.

People line up outside Kentucky Career Center prior to its opening to find assistance with their unemployment claims in Frankfort, Kentucky, on June 18, 2020. (REUTERS/Bryan Woolston)
Mar 6, 2026

Economy unexpectedly loses jobs, unemployment rises in February

The U.S. economy unexpectedly shed jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased to 4.4%, potentially hinting at a deterioration in labor market condition.

Sushi chefs prepare food for diners at Uchi, a sushi restaurant in Houston, on June 8, 2025. (REUTERS/Callaghan O'Hare/File Photo)
Feb 27, 2026

Restaurants emerge as bright spot for job growth as consumers seek treats

Upbeat sales made the U.S. restaurant industry a rare bright spot for jobs, with restaurant payrolls ticking up 1% in 2025.

People shop at a Costco store in the Staten Island borough of New York City, January 16, 2026. (REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo)
Feb 24, 2026

Consumer confidence improves in February in cloudy labor market

Consumer confidence rebounded more than expected in February, but the share of consumers viewing jobs as "hard to get" increased to a five-year high.

A shopper walks past a partially empty dairy section at a grocery store ahead of a winter storm in Washington on Jan. 24, 2026. (REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo)
Feb 13, 2026

Consumer prices rise less than expected in January

U.S. consumer prices increased less than expected in January, but underlying inflation firmed as businesses raised prices.

A “Help Wanted” sign hangs in restaurant window in Medford, Massachusetts, on Jan. 25, 2023. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)
Feb 11, 2026

US job growth accelerates in January, unemployment rate falls to 4.3%

U.S. job growth accelerated in January and the unemployment rate fell to 4.3%, signs of labor market stability.

A woman looks at beauty products in a local store during the holiday season in New York City on Dec. 10, 2023. (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)
Feb 10, 2026

Retail sales unexpectedly flat in December

U.S. retail sales were unexpectedly unchanged in December, putting consumer spending and the overall economy on a slower growth path.

The exterior of the Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board building is seen in Washington on June 14, 2022. (REUTERS/Sarah Silbiger/File Photo)
Jan 28, 2026

Fed maintains rates; sees ‘elevated’ inflation, stabilizing job market

The U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, citing still-elevated inflation alongside solid economic growth.