September Job Openings Rise; Oxford Economics Calls Labor Market Conditions 'Solid'

03:29 PM EST, 11/03/2026 (MT Newswires) -- US job openings increased in September as all key metrics saw improvements, with Oxford Economics calling labor market conditions as "solid." Vacancies increased to about 7.52 million in September from August's upwardly revised 7.19 million reading, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' job openings and labor turnover survey released Tuesday. The consensus was for a 7.16 million print for September in a survey compiled by Bloomberg. "The latest JOLTS data was flush with positive news, with the job openings, hire, layoffs, and quits rate all improving," Oxford Economics Senior US Economist Matthew Martin said in remarks e-mailed to MT Newswires. Private job openings grew to 6.64 million in September from 6.41 million the prior month, according to BLS data. Professional and business services saw a gain of 106,000 jobs, with most categories logging advances. Hiring increased to 5.40 million from 5.27 million, while the hiring rate rose to 3.4% from 3.3%. Separations jumped to 5.32 million from 5.18 million, while layoffs fell to 1.64 million from 1.77 million. "For now, all signs point to a solid labor market, even if it is difficult for pockets of workers -- namely those who are unemployed," Martin said, adding that the Federal Reserve is likely to remain focused on the inflation side of its mandate. "We expect (Fed) officials to move at a gradual pace and deliver interest rate hikes at the upcoming December and March meetings," Martin said. Last week, the central bank kept its benchmark lending rate steady in a divided decision, with two members preferring a 25-basis-point hike. Inflation continues to be "elevated," the Federal Open Market Committee said at the time. Markets are pricing in a roughly 79% probability that the Fed will lift interest rates by 25 basis points next month, according to the CME FedWatch tool. The remaining odds point to a pause. Official data are likely to show Friday that the US economy added 65,000 nonfarm jobs in October, following a gain of 29,000 the previous month.