Consumers have spent most of their excess savings from the Covid-19 pandemic, and this trend is expected to continue until the third quarter of 2023, potentially leading to a slowdown in economic growth and job market expansion.
A significant number of jobs in various industries, including sales, clerical work, and hospitality, have been lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with some experiencing drops as high as 46 percent.
The U.S. labor market has proven resilient in the face of the pandemic, with narratives of a "she-cession," early retirements, a white-collar recession, and missing men falling apart as employment rates rebound among various demographic groups, highlighting the lesson that one should never bet against the U.S. worker.
The US labor market shows signs of easing as job openings decline for the third consecutive month, worker quits decrease, and layoffs increase, indicating a more balanced state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The number of job vacancies in the US dropped in July, indicating a cooling labor market that could alleviate inflation, while fewer Americans quit their jobs and consumer confidence in the economy decreased, potentially impacting consumer spending; these trends may lead the Federal Reserve to delay a rate hike in September.
US job openings fell to the lowest level in nearly 2.5 years in July, indicating a gradual slowdown in the labor market and increasing expectations that the Federal Reserve will not raise interest rates next month.
The US jobs data for July suggests a cooling employment market, with a drop in labor demand and easing of hiring conditions, which could help lower inflation without a significant rise in unemployment rates.
The U.S. jobs market shows signs of cooling as Labor Day approaches, giving investors relief from concerns about a potential Federal Reserve interest rate hike. However, global market rally and uncertainty around China's market rebound indicate that risks still persist.
Job openings and layoffs decreased in July, indicating a return to pre-pandemic labor market patterns, with economists attributing the drop to a decline in turnover rather than contraction.
The August jobs report is highly anticipated as investors assess the health of the labor market amidst rising interest rates and inflation, with projections indicating an increase in hiring and a steady unemployment rate, but potential disruptions from ongoing strikes and bankruptcies could affect the data. The report is closely watched by the Federal Reserve for signs of labor market softening as they grapple with inflation, and while the labor market has remained tight, there are indications of a gradual slowdown. Job openings have decreased, along with resignations, pointing to a labor market that is cooling.
The US job market is cooling down, with signs of weakening and a slowdown in momentum, which may allow the Federal Reserve to ease inflation pressure through weaker job creation and reduced demand.
The US job market added 187,000 jobs in July, returning to pre-pandemic levels and indicating a gradual cooling off of the labor market, with positive economic news and a steady unemployment rate of 3.5%.
Despite weakening economic growth, the unemployment rate remains low, which is puzzling economists and could lead to a "full-employment stagnation" scenario with a potential recession and low unemployment rates, posing challenges for the Federal Reserve and the overall economy.
US household savings accumulated during the pandemic are expected to be depleted by the end of September 2023, as the excess savings have steadily declined and are projected to continue falling at a rate of $100 billion per month, potentially impacting consumer spending and the wider economy.
The US consumer is predicted to experience a decline in personal consumption in early 2024, which could lead to a potential recession and downside for stocks, as high borrowing costs and dwindling Covid-era savings impact household budgets.
The labor markets are expected to pause on rate changes as the economy slows down, with growth in employment and capital expenditure decreasing and downside risks increasing, such as higher interest payments for the government and a potential United Auto Workers strike. However, there is hope for a rebound in 2024 with a potential pause in rate cuts and moderating inflation.
The Federal Reserve has paused raising interest rates and projects that the US will not experience a recession until at least 2027, citing improvement in the economy and a "very smooth landing," though there are still potential risks such as surging oil prices, an auto worker strike, and the threat of a government shutdown.