From Yahoo Finance.: 2025-06-03 10:27:00

U.S. job openings increased in April, but layoffs also rose, signaling a softening labor market due to tariff uncertainty. The number of people quitting declined, indicating weakening confidence in job prospects. Economists attribute the uncertainty to President Trump’s import duties. Despite the rise in job openings, layoffs remain low.

Layoffs increased by 196,000 in April, the largest rise since last July, reaching 1.786 million. Companies are retaining workers due to labor shortages post-pandemic. Job cuts were mainly in small to medium-sized businesses, with increases in professional services, healthcare, and restaurants. Hiring rose by 169,000, driven by construction and business services.

With uncertainty over trade policy weighing on businesses, Americans are holding onto their jobs, as quitting rates dropped. The labor market’s confidence, measured by quits rate, fell, suggesting subdued wage inflation. The upcoming employment report may reflect this trend, with forecasts of slower job growth and a potential rise in the unemployment rate.



Read more at Yahoo Finance.: US labor market easing in the face of tariff uncertainty