Oct 2, 2019

Private sector adds more jobs than expected in September

The private sector added more than 135,000 jobs in September, surpassing expectations of 125,000, according to a report released Wednesday by ADP and Moody's Analytics.

Why it matters: The numbers come "amid growing concerns over the strength" of the job market, which has seen hiring slow significantly in 2019, per CNBC. The year's current monthly average for private sector hiring is now 145,000 — down sharply from 214,000 for the same time period last year.

What they're saying: Mark Zandi, a chief economist at Moody's, said, "Businesses have turned more cautious in their hiring. Small businesses have become especially hesitant. If businesses pull back any further, unemployment will begin to rise."

Go deeper: The results from last month's jobs report

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Courtenay Brown

U.S. economy adds 136,000 jobs in September

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Chart: Axios Visuals

The U.S. economy added 136,000 jobs in September, while the unemployment rate fell even lower, from 3.7% to 3.5% — the lowest level since December 1969 — the government said on Friday.

Why it matters: While it's fewer than the 145,000 economists expected, the labor market continues to be the bright spot in the economy. The number may calm recession fears after a week that saw deterioration in manufacturing data and softening on the all-important services side of the economy.

DetailsOct 4, 2019

Kaveh Waddell

An uncertain future for "jobs of the future"

Data: Cognizant; Chart: Axios Visuals

Despite recession worries, demand for workers in the U.S. has climbed ever higher — and with it, the outlook for a bundle of jobs that could dominate future economies.

Why it matters: The fate of this seemingly future-proof work, much of it centered on interactions with increasingly intelligent machines, has looked rosy since 2016, but it's not clear how it would weather an economic downturn.

Go deeperOct 26, 2019

Dion Rabouin

U.S. job openings and hiring both slowed in August

Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Chart: Axios Visuals

The U.S. job market remains strong, with more job openings than unemployed people seeking a job, but companies are starting to put some hiring plans on hold.

The big picture: The U.S. had 7.05 million job openings at the end of August, the Labor Department reported on Wednesday, but after torrid increases over the past 2 years, the number of jobs businesses have to offer is beginning to turn lower, but not because firms are filling the positions.

Go deeperOct 10, 2019