US hiring weakens as job openingshiring weakens as job openings stay elevated
US hiring slowed in April while job openings remained high, according to labor data reported on June 2 and 3, 2026. Economists said the labor market is still in a slow-hire, slow-fire pattern, but they warned that fallout from the US-backed war with Iran could increase costs and weaken demand.
US labor-market data
The latest figures suggest employers are keeping more vacancies open even as they hire more cautiously. Resignations have also fallen to their lowest level in nearly six years, pointing to weaker worker confidence.
Economists warning on Iran fallout
Economists said the labor market has not fully broken, but they see downside risks from the war with Iran. They pointed to shortages and higher prices for commodities such as energy products and aluminum.
- The US jobs report often moves global markets because it can influence Federal Reserve policy.
- Aluminum is widely used in transport and packaging, so supply shocks can spread beyond energy markets.
- Labor-market releases in the United States are closely watched by investors from Tokyo to London.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
