7.27 million job openings were posted in July, up from a revised 7.18 million in June, while layoffs fell and the labor market stayed resilient.
5.1 million hires, down from 5.3 million, and fewer workers quitting pointed to a "low fire, low hire" market in which employers are cautious but not cutting deeply.
4.1% unemployment and persistently low jobless claims suggest firms are still holding onto workers despite higher borrowing costs and an energy shock tied to fighting with Iran.
61,000 net jobs a month have been added on average this year—better than fewer than 10,000 in 2025—and economists expect Friday's August report to show 65,000 new jobs and 4.2% unemployment.