Help | Wanted
: A rising index indicates higher labor demand, which can lead to worker shortages.
: The March increase followed a 4.9% decrease in February, indicating some volatility in employer demand.
: Recent job openings have been heavily concentrated in retail, warehouses, and transportation —largely driven by the package-delivery needs of online sales. HELP WANTED
: When the index is high, employers often must raise wages to attract talent, which can contribute to overall inflation and impact bond and equity markets.
Economists track these reports because they serve as a "leading indicator" for the broader economy: : A rising index indicates higher labor demand,
The most recent report, released on April 8, 2026, shows that advertised online job vacancies in the U.S. increased to 109.1 in March 2026 . This represents a 3.8% increase from the previous month and a 2.7% increase compared to one year ago. Current Market Insights (April 2026)
: The percentage of people quitting their jobs remains near post-pandemic lows, as workers stay in current roles due to uncertainty about finding new opportunities. Economic Significance of "Help Wanted" Reports : When the index is high, employers often
: Recent research by McKinsey suggests that since 2010, GDP growth in many advanced economies has been driven more by adding workers than by improving productivity. Notable Specialized Reports