Uncertain, The Force Is: Job Market Jitters, April's Tale Told

Openings Many There Are

Hmm a report it is. From the Bureau of Labor Statistics came this news. Job openings more than expected they increased. Nearly 7.4 million the total a surprise this was. FactSet economists a forecast they did 7.1 million they thought. Higher the reality was. Like a youngling exceeding expectations the job market did!

Hiring Layoffs Rise Too Confusing It Is

Increased hiring did. 5.6 million new hires but rise in layoffs there was too. 1.79 million the sad number. Like the Force balanced it must be but the Dark Side its influence felt we do. Quits also down. Worker confidence shaken perhaps?

Normal Levels Returning?

Steady the labor market holding. "The labor market is returning to more normal levels," says Jeffrey Roach a wise economist he is. But uncertainty always present. Like a Womp Rat in Beggar's Canyon surprises there will be.

May's Payrolls Awaited We Are

Nonfarm payrolls soon they arrive. 125,000 new jobs the expectation. Less than April this is. "Always in motion is the future," remember we must. The unemployment rate steady it may remain at 4.2% it seems.

Tariffs A Shadow They Cast

Manufactured goods orders fell. 3.7% a bigger drop than expected. Tariffs the blame some place. Like a disturbance in the Force these tariffs the economy they affect. Inflation a worry it is. Slow hiring a possibility.

Steady The Fed Remains

The Fed carefully watching. Rates steady they keep. 4.25% 4.5% the range. September a cut maybe. But only one this year some believe. Patience we must have. Like waiting for the Millennium Falcon to make the jump to hyperspace time it takes.