BLS News & Analysis
5 articles
Market Mood
Job Seekers Face Doomjobbing: 242 Applications per Opening
The term 'doomjobbing' has emerged to describe the excessive job searching behaviors among those recently laid off. Data from Greenhouse indicates the average job opening in mid-2025 received 242 applications, three times the 2017 average. Concurrently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 25% of unemployed workers have been job searching for over half a year. A March survey by Monster found 48% of job seekers prioritize speed over selectivity in their applications, reflecting the intense competition in the current job market.
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Chances of US Stagflation Rise to 40%, Experts Warn Traders
Traders indicate nearly 40% chance of stagflation in the US economy by end of 2026, up from 11% in three months, according to Kalshi traders. The consumer price index reported a year-on-year increase of 3.8% in April, the highest since May 2023. Unemployment remains steady at 4.3% as of April, remaining above 4% since May 2024. Forecasts also predict over 65% chance for inflation to exceed 4.5% this year, contrasted with FactSet's consensus of 2.8%. These developments suggest potential challenges ahead for investors and overall economic stability.
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Retail Sector Adds 22,000 Jobs in April as Consumer Spending Holds Steady
In April 2025, retailers added nearly 22,000 jobs, representing almost one-fifth of total job growth, while retail employment reached approximately 15.5 million, the highest since July 2024. Rising consumer spending reportedly supports this hiring surge, despite warnings of economic pressures from rising gasoline prices and geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, retail job openings increased by 48% compared to the previous year, indicating optimism in the sector. However, concerns persist about declining consumer sentiment amidst various economic challenges, which could impact future spending.
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April Jobs Report Expected Growth of 55,000 Payrolls and 4.3% Unemployment
The upcoming April jobs report is projected to indicate a payroll increase of 55,000, maintaining the unemployment rate at 4.3%. This figure, while lower than historical averages, is deemed adequate to keep joblessness steady and alleviate pressures on the Federal Reserve. March saw a higher job addition of 178,000, leading to a 12-month average of just 22,000 new jobs per month. Additionally, average hourly earnings are expected to rise by 3.8% annually, with disparities evident in wage gains among different income brackets, highlighting an uneven economic landscape.
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March Jobs Report: 59,000 Gains, Unemployment Remains at 4.4%
The U.S. economy is projected to report nonfarm payroll gains of 59,000 for March, maintaining an unemployment rate of 4.4%. This figure indicates that job growth is below expectations compared to previous years. The St. Louis Fed recently revised the breakeven job growth level to between 15,000 and 87,000, down from earlier estimates. Despite these signs, some economists warn of rising recession odds due to labor market stagnation and increasing energy costs.
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