An article summarized by CNBC:

U.S. job openings surged to 7.6 million in April, the highest level in nearly two years and well above economists’ expectations, according to new government data. The increase pushed available jobs above the number of unemployed workers, signaling strong labor demand despite broader economic uncertainty. Much of the jump came from professional and business services, which added 668,000 openings, potentially reflecting growing demand tied to artificial intelligence, while healthcare also posted gains.

Despite the rise in openings, actual hiring slowed sharply. Employers hired 5.12 million workers in April, down more than 400,000 from the previous month, while the hiring rate fell to 3.2%. Worker confidence also appeared weaker, with voluntary quits dropping to their lowest level since 2020. Layoffs edged down slightly, reinforcing what economists describe as a “low-hire, low-fire” labor market.

The report suggests a labor market that remains stable but cautious. Unemployment has held near 4.3%, jobless claims remain relatively low, and companies are still posting jobs even as they hire more slowly. The data is closely watched by the Federal Reserve, which has shifted its focus from labor weakness to inflation pressures driven by tariffs and energy costs, with policymakers widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at their upcoming meeting.

For the article: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/02/job-openings-april-2026.html