US job openings jump in September; layoffs lowest in 1-1/2 years
SPY•US job openings rose by 333,000 to 7.523 million in September, while layoffs fell by 127,000 to 1.641 million, their lowest level since March 2025. Hiring increased to 5.402 million and quits climbed to 3.365 million.
1. Openings rise
Job openings increased by 333,000 to 7.523 million on the last day of September, the Labor Department said. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 7.100 million openings, and August’s figure was revised up to 7.190 million from 7.079 million. There were 1.06 openings for every unemployed person, up from 1.02 in August.
2. Hiring and layoffs
Hiring rose by 131,000 to 5.402 million, lifting the hires rate to 3.4% from 3.3%. Layoffs and discharges fell by 127,000 to 1.641 million, the lowest level since March 2025, and the layoffs rate declined to 1.0% from 1.1%.
3. Quits increase
Quits rose by 321,000 to 3.365 million, the highest level since March 2025, while the quits rate increased to 2.1% from 1.9%. Economists described the labor market as remaining in a “low-hire, low-fire” state; they said uncertainty from the Middle East conflict was making employers hesitant to boost hiring.
