February JOLTS: 6.88M openings vs 6.92M openings expected (below expectations)
Job openings fell to 6.882 million in February, below the 6.918 million consensus. Hiring dropped to the weakest pace since the pandemic, reinforcing a cooling labor-market backdrop.
📊 Results
Actual Reading
Market Reaction
💡 Key Takeaway
Demand for labor softened again, and the hiring rate was the more worrying detail. The labor market was losing momentum even before the March rebound in payrolls.
📖 Why This Matters
Job market musical chairs: who's hiring, who's quitting, who's stuck.
February JOLTS actual vs expected
| Release date | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 10:00 ET |
|---|---|
| Event type | JOLTS |
| Actual | 6.88M openings |
| Expected | 6.92M openings |
| Prior | 6.95M openings |
| Expectation surprise | below expectations |
📚 Related calendar tools and guides
FAQ
What was the February JOLTS result?
February JOLTS came in at 6.88M openings versus 6.92M openings expected, below expectations.
How did markets react to February JOLTS?
A modestly bond-friendly report, though the market impact was limited.
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