U.S. job openings flat at 7.67 million
The Labor Department’s JOLTS report released Dec. 9 shows U.S. job openings were 7.67 million in October, essentially unchanged from September’s 7.66 million, with layoffs rising and quits falling. Due to the 43‑day federal shutdown, September and October JOLTS were combined, no October unemployment rate will be published, and the department will issue October payroll figures alongside the delayed full November jobs report next Tuesday.
📌 Key Facts
- Job openings: 7.67 million in October vs. 7.66 million in September (Labor Department JOLTS).
- Layoffs increased and quits declined in October, signaling cooler labor-market confidence.
- Shutdown effects: September and October JOLTS bundled; no October unemployment rate; November jobs report delayed to next Tuesday.
📊 Relevant Data
In September 2025, the unemployment rate was 3.8% for White Americans, 7.5% for Black Americans, and 5.5% for Hispanic Americans, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.4%.
The Employment Situation - September 2025 — Bureau of Labor Statistics
As of 2025, the US population is approximately 57.6% non-Hispanic White, 19.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 13% Black or African American.
US Demographic Trends 2025 — Coconote
The Black unemployment rate rose to 7.5% in August 2025, with declines concentrated among Black women, whose employment-to-population ratio dropped from 59.2% in January to 57.3% in August 2025.
What’s behind rising unemployment for Black workers? — Economic Policy Institute
Trump's tariffs have contributed to job losses concentrated among Black, Asian, and Hispanic workers, partly through government job cuts and impacts on imports.
Job Losses Hit Black, Asian, and Hispanic Workers Hard, Raising Recession Fears — Investopedia