Labor market improves, but job searches stay tough
September 16, 2026
Recent labor data have eased concerns about a sharp deterioration in employment conditions. Yet signs of stabilization have not produced a decisive rebound in labor demand, leaving the outlook for job seekers less encouraging. “Labor market momentum has improved, but activity remains tepid, suggesting that right tail may not be as fat as the labor market bulls believe,” says Garrett Melson, CFA®, Portfolio Strategist, Natixis Investment Managers Solutions.
Source: Bloomberg.
- The average and median duration of unemployment continue to move higher.
- JOLTS data suggest that labor demand remains subdued.
- Elevated readings from the Conference Board’s Labor Differential point to a challenging environment for job seekers.
JOLTS is the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.
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