US JOB OPENINGS JUMP 4% IN JULY, HIRING ALSO EDGES UP

The number of US job openings in July rose 4.0% from June to 5.9 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of hires also edged up from June.

The job openings rate — a measure of job openings compared with total employment — remained at 3.9% in July.

U.S. News & World Report reported job openings reached an all-time high while layoffs fell to a three-year low.

The number of hires rose by 55,000 in July to 5.2 million, a 1.1% increase. The number of hires was little changed for total private and for government. Hires increased by 137,000 in professional and business services but decreased by 77,000 in other services. The number of hires increased in the South region.