The Labor Market Podcast with Fexingo: Jobs Reports, Unemployment, and Wage Growth

In this episode of The Labor Market Podcast, Lucas and Luna explore a surprising trend: the rise of gig work in 2026. Despite a tight labor market with unemployment at 4.3%, more workers are supplementing their incomes with side hustles. The hosts discuss how stagnant wage growth—average hourly earnings up only 2.4% year-over-year—is driving workers to seek extra income. They dive into data from a recent Federal Reserve survey showing that 38% of workers now have a side gig, up from 28% in 2023. Lucas and Luna examine the implications for traditional employment, including the rise of 'portfolio careers' and the challenges for policymakers. They also touch on how the gig economy is evolving, with platforms like Uber and TaskRabbit facing new regulations. The episode concludes with a discussion of whether this trend signals a healthy flexibility or a warning sign of underlying economic pressure. #GigEconomy #SideHustles #LaborMarket #WageStagnation #FederalReserve #Freelancing #PortfolioCareer #Uber #TaskRabbit #IncomeInequality #EconomicTrends #Economics #Jobs #Employment #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast #WorkerTrends Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 60 of The Labor Market Podcast examines a counterintuitive trend: the return of older workers, aged 55 and over, to the labor force. Lucas and Luna discuss how the unemployment rate for this group has dropped to 2.9 percent, while prime-age workers (25-54) have seen a slight uptick. Using the latest JOLTS data showing 7.6 million job openings, they explore whether employers are targeting older talent for stability, and what this means for wage dynamics and retirement patterns. The hosts also tie in the 2025 median weekly earnings figure of $1,204 to argue that older workers may be seeking income to offset inflation and market volatility. A data-driven conversation about a quiet demographic shift in today's labor market. #OlderWorkers #LaborForceParticipation #UnemploymentRate #JOLTS #WageGrowth #Retirement #Demographics #Economics #LaborMarket #LucasAndLuna #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Inflation #MedianEarnings #JobOpenings #AgeTrends #Workforce #2026 Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna examine a surprising shift in the US labor market: job growth is increasingly concentrated in mid-sized cities rather than major coastal hubs. Using May 2026 data showing 159 million payrolls and rising JOLTS openings, they discuss why places like Nashville, Boise, and Columbus are outpacing New York and San Francisco. The episode explores structural factors including remote work permanence, lower commercial real estate costs, and state-level tax incentives. Lucas cites specific Bureau of Labor Statistics data on regional employment distribution, while Luna raises the question of whether this trend will persist if a recession hits. A concrete look at how the geography of opportunity is quietly redrawing the American labor map. #JobCreation #LaborMarket #RemoteWork #MidSizedCities #Nashville #Boise #Columbus #RegionalEconomics #JOLTS #PayrollGrowth #UrbanShift #TaxIncentives #CommercialRealEstate #BureauOfLaborStatistics #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dig into the April JOLTS report showing a surge in job openings from 6.9 million to 7.6 million — yet hires remain flat. They explore why employers are listing positions they never fill, from resume hoarding to phantom job postings. With the unemployment rate at 4.3 percent and initial jobless claims ticking up, they ask whether the labor market is overheating or just spinning its wheels. The hosts also discuss why the Beveridge curve is flattening and what that means for workers and the Fed. If you've ever applied for a job that stayed open for months, this episode explains why. #LaborMarket #JOLTS #JobOpenings #Hiring #PhantomJobs #BeveridgeCurve #Unemployment #FederalReserve #WageGrowth #JobSearch #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #PodcastEpisode #LaborMarketPodcast #EmploymentTrends #WorkerMobility #June2026 Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 57 of The Labor Market Podcast examines a quiet but significant shift: after two years of record-low quit rates, workers are starting to leave their jobs again. Lucas and Luna dig into the latest JOLTS data showing job openings surged to 7.6 million in April 2026, while quits ticked up from 2.8% to 2.9%. They explore why this matters — from wage acceleration at the bottom to the return of labor market churn. The hosts also connect the dots to broader economic signals like the jump in initial jobless claims to 229,000 and what it means for the Fed. A specific, data-driven look at whether the 'Big Stay' is finally ending. #LaborMarket #JOLTS #QuitsRate #JobOpenings #WageGrowth #Unemployment #LucasAndLuna #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #Fed #LaborChurn #Workers #Hiring #JobMarket #EconomicData #2026 #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Labor Market Podcast, Lucas and Luna dig into a puzzle that's been quietly building for months: job openings are climbing back above 7.6 million, but hiring hasn't budged. Using the latest JOLTS data from April 2026, they explore why employers are posting more roles yet filling fewer of them. Lucas points to the growing gap between openings and hires — now over three million — and argues that companies are using job listings as a low-cost option to test the market without committing. Luna pushes back with data showing that the industries driving the surge — professional services and healthcare — are also reporting longer vacancy times. Together they trace the trend back to uncertainty around rising costs, interest rate jitters, and a workforce that's increasingly selective. The episode closes with a practical take: for job seekers, this means more listings but no faster hiring; for economists, it's a warning that the labor market is settling into a lower-gear equilibrium that looks stable but feels slow. #LaborMarket #JOLTS #JobOpenings #Hiring #Employment #Economics #Unemployment #WageGrowth #FederalReserve #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #EconomicData #HealthcareJobs #ProfessionalServices #JobSearch #LaborShortage #HiringSlowdown #2026Economy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Labor Market Podcast, Lucas and Luna explore a puzzling disconnect in the May 2026 JOLTS data: job openings surged to 7.6 million, but hiring remains sluggish and the quits rate is flat. They unpack why employers are posting more roles without filling them, how the mismatch between skills and location is worsening, and what this means for workers and the Fed. With specific data points from the latest JOLTS report and comparisons to pre-pandemic trends, they offer a clear, actionable breakdown of a key labor market anomaly. #JOLTS #JobOpenings #HiringSlowdown #LaborMarket #Economics #Unemployment #QuitsRate #SkillsMismatch #WorkerShortage #FederalReserve #WageGrowth #EconomicTrends #JobSearch #May2026 #LaborMismatch #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Employment Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Job openings jumped to 7.6 million in April, the highest in over a year. But look closer and a different story emerges: the bulk of those openings are for part-time and gig-based roles, while full-time permanent positions are stagnating. Lucas and Luna dig into the JOLTS data alongside the 4.3% unemployment rate and rising jobless claims to reveal how employers are restructuring work to avoid benefit costs and long-term commitments. They discuss what this means for workers' financial security and why the labor market may be weaker than the headline numbers suggest. #JOLTS #PartTimeWork #LaborMarket #JobOpenings #Employment #WageGrowth #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Unemployment #JoblessClaims #GigEconomy #Benefits #LaborEconomics #April2026 #May2026 #Fed #Workers Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 53 of The Labor Market Podcast digs into a worrying trend that's flying under the radar: long-term unemployment is creeping back up even as the headline jobless rate stays flat at 4.3 percent. Lucas and Luna examine new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing that the share of unemployed workers out of work for 27 weeks or longer has risen to 22.6 percent, up from 19.8 percent a year ago. They explore why this matters for wage growth, Fed policy, and the broader economy, and contrast the experience of prime-age workers with older cohorts. The episode also touches on how the rise in temporary help jobs—up slightly in May—may be masking underlying softness. A data-rich conversation for anyone trying to read between the lines of the monthly jobs report. #LongTermUnemployment #LaborMarket #JobsReport #UnemploymentRate #WageGrowth #FedPolicy #EconomicIndicators #JOLTS #TemporaryJobs #PrimeAgeWorkers #OlderWorkers #BureauOfLaborStatistics #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast #2026Economy #StructuralUnemployment Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 52 of The Labor Market Podcast digs into one of the most reliable recession signals: the collapse of temporary help jobs. With the latest data showing another sharp drop in temporary worker payrolls, Lucas and Luna examine why this leading indicator still matters, how it connects to the larger labor market slowdown, and what the current numbers say about recession risk. They reference specific data points from recent economic reports, including the May 2026 unemployment rate of 4.3%, rising initial jobless claims, and the contrast between resilient headline payrolls and the crumbling temp sector. If you want to understand what economists watch when they worry about a downturn, this episode is your guide. #TemporaryJobs #RecessionSignal #LeadingIndicator #LaborMarket #Economics #Employment #JoblessClaims #WageGrowth #TemporaryHelp #StaffingIndustry #EconomicForecast #FedPolicy #JOLTS #Unemployment #BusinessCycle #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The traditional assumption that a full-time job is a worker's primary income source is crumbling. In this episode, Lucas and Luna examine a quiet but accelerating trend: the rise of the 'portfolio career' as a deliberate risk-management strategy. Drawing on May 2026 data showing stagnant wage growth of just 2.4% year-over-year in median weekly earnings, and a JOLTS report where job openings are still 20% below their 2022 peak, they argue that workers are no longer betting their entire financial security on one employer. Instead, a growing share of professionals are treating their day jobs as a reliable base—and building side businesses, freelance gigs, or passive income streams as a hedge against layoffs and wage stagnation. They look at survey data from the Federal Reserve's 2025 Survey of Household Economics (released April 2026) showing that 38% of workers now have at least one side hustle, up from 28% in 2019. The hosts also discuss what this means for employers: higher turnover risk, lower loyalty, and a workforce that's harder to retain with just a salary. #SideHustleEconomy #PortfolioCareer #LaborMarket #WageStagnation #FreelanceEconomy #FinancialResilience #MultipleIncomeStreams #FedSurvey #WorkerLoyalty #JobOpenings #JOLTS #MedianWeeklyEarnings #EmploymentTrends #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast #CareerStrategy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna explore why labor market fluidity—the rate at which workers switch jobs and employers fill vacancies—has dropped to levels not seen since the early 2010s. Using May 2026 data showing job quits falling below 2 million for the first time in years, they examine how declining churn is affecting wage growth, employer hiring strategies, and the Fed's policy outlook. They also discuss the paradox of rising job openings alongside falling quits, and what this means for the average worker's bargaining power. #LaborMarketChurn #JobQuits #WageGrowth #JOLTS #UnemploymentRate #FedPolicy #Hiring #EmploymentTrends #Economics #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #LaborMarket #WorkerBargainingPower #JobOpenings #QuitsRate #May2026 #EconomicData #LucasAndLuna Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into one of the most overlooked recession signals: the temporary help industry. With the latest BLS data showing temp jobs down 2.8% year-over-year—a steeper drop than before the 2020 recession—they explain why staffing agencies are the canary in the coal mine for broader layoffs. Lucas walks through the mechanics: when companies aren't sure about demand, they cut temp workers first, because there's no severance, no stigma, and no wait. They tie this to the recent JOLTS surge (7.6 million openings) and the puzzling fact that job openings are still high even as temp employment shrinks. Luna challenges whether this time is different because of post-pandemic labor hoarding. They also discuss how the ECB's recent rate hike could amplify the drag. No hot takes—just a clear, data-driven look at a leading indicator that's flashing red. #TemporaryHelp #JobMarket #RecessionSignals #BLS #LaborMarket #Economics #StaffingIndustry #LeadingIndicators #EmploymentData #JOLTS #ECB #InterestRates #2026 #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #TheLaborMarketPodcast #LucasAndLuna #WageGrowth Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The temporary help services industry is losing jobs for 14 consecutive months, a pattern that has preceded every U.S. recession since the 1980s. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the data from the May 2026 jobs report to show how temp staffing is acting as a canary in the coal mine. They explore why employers turn to temps first and cut them first, what the current 14-month decline means against a backdrop of 4.3 percent unemployment and rising job openings, and why this time might be different — or not. Drawing on Bureau of Labor Statistics data and past recession patterns, the hosts offer a clear, numbers-driven explanation of one of the most reliable leading indicators in labor economics. #TemporaryHelp #RecessionIndicator #JobsReport #LaborMarket #TempServices #LeadingIndicators #BLS #Unemployment #EconomicForecasting #HiringTrends #StaffingIndustry #May2026Jobs #RecessionWarning #LaborEconomics #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The May jobs report showed average hourly earnings rising to $37.50, but that headline masks a growing divide: small businesses are raising wages far more slowly than large corporations. Lucas and Luna examine data from ADP and the Atlanta Fed Wage Tracker to explain why Main Street employers can't keep up with Amazon and Walmart, and what that means for the 35 million Americans who work at firms with fewer than 250 employees. They also discuss how the ECB's surprise rate hike on June 11 and rising energy costs are squeezing small business margins, making it harder to compete for talent. The episode draws on the latest JOLTS data showing 7.6 million job openings and the April employment cost index reading of 177.5. If you've wondered why your local coffee shop can't match big-company pay even in a tight labor market, this one is for you. #WageGap #SmallBusiness #LaborMarket #JobsReport #ADP #AtlantaFed #WageTracker #JOLTS #EmploymentCostIndex #ECB #InterestRates #EnergyCosts #Inflation #MainStreet #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TheLaborMarketPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a quiet shift in the labor market: employers are increasingly splitting full-time positions into part-time roles to avoid paying health insurance and other benefits. With the unemployment rate steady at 4.3% and nonfarm payrolls ticking up, the data shows a surge in part-time employment for economic reasons — up 12% year-over-year. The hosts drill into recent JOLTS data showing 7.6 million job openings, yet more workers reporting they can't find full-time work. They discuss how this trend disproportionately affects older workers and those in retail and hospitality, using Walmart's recent schedule changes as a concrete example. The conversation connects to the broader wage growth split and questions whether the Fed's focus on average hourly earnings misses the erosion of total compensation. A listener-funded model keeps the show ad-free, mentioned organically mid-episode. Keywords: part-time employment trends, benefit costs, JOLTS data, wage growth, labor market bifurcation. #PartTimeEmployment #BenefitCosts #JOLTS #WageGrowth #LaborMarket #UnemploymentRate #NonfarmPayrolls #Retail #Hospitality #Walmart #OlderWorkers #Underemployment #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #MarketTrends #JobOpenings #Compensation Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising new trend in the May 2026 jobs report: average hourly earnings are up 4.3% year-over-year, but the gains are heavily concentrated among workers who haven't switched jobs. They explore why stayers—employees who remain in their current role—are seeing faster wage growth than job switchers for the first time since the pandemic. The hosts examine the role of remote work, employer retention strategies, and the 'big stay' phenomenon. Plus, they connect the dots to the broader inflation picture and what it means for the Fed's next moves. A concrete case study helps illustrate the dynamics. #WageGrowth #JobSwitchers #Stayers #LaborMarket #AverageHourlyEarnings #Inflation #FedPolicy #RemoteWork #BigStay #Retention #JobsReport #May2026 #Economics #LaborEconomics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TheLaborMarketPodcast #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Labor Market Podcast, Lucas and Luna look at the fed's evolving interpretation of the same jobs data. With payrolls up modestly and jobless claims rising, they discuss why the fed may focus more on wage growth than headline job numbers, and what that means for interest rates. They also consider how consumer price inflation at 4.2 percent is affecting the central bank's outlook. #FederalReserve #JobsData #WageGrowth #Inflation #InterestRates #JoblessClaims #Payrolls #LaborMarket #Economics #MonetaryPolicy #FOMC #ConsumerPriceIndex #EmploymentCostIndex #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast #LucasAndLuna #FedWatch Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

With inflation hitting 4.2% annually in May 2026 and hourly earnings up just 2.4% year-over-year, workers are trapped between rising costs and stagnant pay. Lucas and Luna dig into the latest data: unemployment flat at 4.3%, job openings surging to 7.6 million, yet quits are down and wage growth is concentrated among job-switchers. They unpack the New York Fed survey showing financial anxiety at its highest since 2022, and examine why workers over 55 are staying put, locking down the labor market. The episode also touches on the Fed's dilemma: wage growth is too slow for workers but too fast for inflation hawks. A tight, data-driven conversation on the paradox of a strong jobs market and anxious households. #Inflation #WageGrowth #JobOpenings #LaborMarket #NewYorkFed #WorkerAnxiety #Unemployment #JOLTS #StayingPut #QuitsRate #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast #FederalReserve #FinancialAnxiety #EnergyInflation #WageStagnation Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The New York Fed's Survey of Consumer Expectations dropped a bombshell in June 2026: household worries about finances hit their highest level since July 2022. Lucas and Luna dig into what's driving this anxiety — stagnating real wages, elevated jobless claims, and the disconnect between a strong headline jobs number and how families actually feel. They explore why consumer sentiment has become a lagging indicator of labor market health, and what the Fed might make of this data ahead of Wednesday's inflation print. With unemployment flat at 4.3% but long-term claims rising, the hosts ask whether the economy is entering a 'vibecession' that could reshape spending and hiring. Specific data points include the New York Fed survey's year-ahead expectations, median weekly earnings stuck near $1,204, and the gap between ADP private payrolls and official nonfarm payrolls. No hot takes, just a clear-eyed read of a confusing moment. #NewYorkFed #ConsumerExpectations #FinancialAnxiety #HouseholdFinances #WageStagnation #JoblessClaims #UnemploymentRate #InflationWorries #LaborMarket #ConsumerSentiment #FedPolicy #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast #WageGrowth #Vibecession Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The May jobs report lands Friday and the ADP number surprised to the upside — 122,000 private payrolls added. But here's the thing: the Fed isn't looking at that headline. Lucas walks through why the central bank has quietly shifted its attention from job creation to a different metric entirely. Luna pushes back on whether the market is misreading the Fed's next move. They dig into the New York Fed survey showing household financial worry at a two-year high and what that means for the labor market's 'soft landing' narrative. Specific data, one clear angle. #LaborMarket #FedPolicy #JobsReport #ADP #WageGrowth #JOLTS #Unemployment #EmploymentCostIndex #Inflation #InterestRates #SoftLanding #HouseholdFinances #NewYorkFed #MayJobs #CentralBank #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

On this episode of The Labor Market Podcast, Lucas and Luna examine a surprising trend: workers over 55 are staying in their jobs at record rates, even as job openings surge and signing bonuses return for younger workers. Using data from the latest JOLTS report showing 7.6 million openings and the New York Fed survey showing household financial worries at a two-year high, they explore the 'stay put' phenomenon among older employees. They discuss how pension lock-in, healthcare costs, and fear of age discrimination are creating a hidden drag on wage growth and labor mobility. Plus, the hosts tie the trend to the broader market split between high- and low-wage workers, and what it means for the upcoming May jobs report. #OlderWorkers #LaborMarket #JobOpenings #JOLTS #WageGrowth #Unemployment #AgeDiscrimination #Retirement #LaborMobility #EconomicTrends #Employment #Workforce #Pensions #HealthcareCosts #MayJobsReport #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The job market on paper looks solid — unemployment at 4.3 percent, payrolls up, job openings surging to 7.6 million. Yet a New York Fed survey this week shows household financial worry at the highest since July 2022. Lucas and Luna unpack the disconnect between macro labor data and the stress consumers actually feel. They drill into the gap between headline employment numbers and the rising cost burdens — energy, rent, insurance — that aren't captured in the jobs report. The episode uses the recent jump in initial jobless claims to 225,000 and the flat unemployment rate to argue that the labor market is solid but brittle. Lucas explains why the Fed sees wage growth as the real signal, not job counts. Luna pushes back on whether the official data is capturing gig workers and multiple-job holders. A focused look at why the economy feels worse than the stats suggest. #ConsumerSentiment #NewYorkFedSurvey #JobsMarket #WageGrowth #UnemploymentRate #InitialJoblessClaims #JOLTS #NonfarmPayrolls #LaborEconomics #Inflation #HouseholdFinances #FederalReserve #EconomicData #WorryIndex #CostOfLiving #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The May jobs report is due Friday, but a quieter crisis is already visible: long-term unemployment is surging, and it's hitting older workers hardest. Lucas and Luna dig into the latest data—unemployment at 4.3%, job openings at 7.6 million, and a growing mismatch that's leaving experienced professionals out in the cold. They explore why companies are reluctant to hire workers over 50, the hidden costs of age discrimination, and how the Iran conflict is making it worse by driving up energy costs and shrinking margins. Plus, a look at what this means for the Fed's approach to wage growth. If you've ever wondered why the labor market feels so divided, this episode explains one of the most underreported splits. #OlderWorkers #AgeDiscrimination #LongTermUnemployment #LaborMarket #JobsReport #WageGrowth #MayJobs #UnemploymentRate #JOLTS #JobOpenings #Fed #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast #WorkersOver50 #EmploymentGap #AgeBias Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

With the May jobs report due Friday and unemployment claims rising to 225,000, Lucas and Luna dig into why the Federal Reserve is paying more attention to the Employment Cost Index than to headline payroll numbers. They break down how wage growth in the ECI hit 177.5 in Q1 2026, up from 176.23, and why that matters more for interest rates than the 159 million jobs number. Plus, they connect the tight labor market to the recent ADP report showing 122,000 private payrolls added in May—stronger than expected—and what that means for the inflation fight. A focused look at the data point that could determine the next rate move. #LaborMarket #WageGrowth #EmploymentCostIndex #FederalReserve #ECI #JobsReport #Inflation #InterestRates #ADP #JOLTS #UnemploymentClaims #Payrolls #MayJobs #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Podcast #LucasAndLuna Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Labor Market Podcast, Lucas and Luna unpack the growing divergence between two closely watched labor market indicators: the ADP private payrolls report and the JOLTS job openings survey. With ADP showing 122,000 jobs added in May—stronger than expected—and JOLTS reporting 7.6 million openings in April, the hosts explore why these numbers seem to be telling different stories about the health of the job market. They dig into the methodology behind each report, the role of small vs. large employers, and what the data means for wage growth and the Federal Reserve's next moves. Lucas also touches on the latest initial jobless claims spike to 225,000 and how that fits into the picture. Tune in for a clear, data-driven breakdown of what these conflicting signals really say about the economy. #ADP #JOLTS #JobOpenings #NonfarmPayrolls #UnemploymentClaims #WageGrowth #FederalReserve #LaborMarket #EmploymentReport #SmallBusiness #LargeEmployers #Economics #EconomicIndicators #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #MayJobsReport #DataDivergence #JobMarket Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

New data shows that workers who stay put are now seeing faster wage growth than job-hoppers — a reversal of the pattern that dominated the post-pandemic labor market. Lucas and Luna break down the numbers from the May 2026 jobs report and the Employment Cost Index, explore why employers are raising pay to retain talent rather than attract it, and discuss what this means for your next career move. With the unemployment rate flat at 4.3% and job openings surging to 7.6 million, the labor market is sending mixed signals. Lucas points to a key metric: the quits rate has fallen below pre-pandemic levels, suggesting workers are prioritizing stability over the risk of a jump. Luna flags a hidden wrinkle: wage growth for job switchers is still positive but has slowed sharply, while annual raises for stayers have crept above 5% for the first time in two years. The episode closes with a look at which industries are leading the shift and whether this trend is likely to hold. #WageGrowth #JobStayers #JobSwitchers #LaborMarket #EmploymentCostIndex #MayJobsReport #UnemploymentRate #JOLTS #QuitsRate #Retention #EconomicData #CareerStrategy #Podcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #LaborEconomics #WorkerTrends Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The May jobs report is out Friday, but beneath the headline numbers, a quieter divide is opening up. Wages are growing at 4.2 percent for job switchers but barely 3.5 percent for those who stay put. Lucas and Luna dig into the data from the Atlanta Fed's Wage Growth Tracker, the latest JOLTS numbers, and why this gap tells us more about the labor market than the unemployment rate. They explore how the split is reshaping career strategy, hiring, and even inflation expectations. #WageGrowth #LaborMarket #JobSwitchers #JobStayers #AtlantaFed #WageGrowthTracker #JOLTS #JobOpenings #NonfarmPayrolls #Unemployment #QuitsRate #Compensation #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast #Fexingo Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The May jobs report is out Friday, but the real story isn't the headline number — it's the growing gap between the booming high-end services sector and the struggling lower-wage industries. Lucas and Luna dig into the data behind the divergence: why job openings hit 7.6 million in April while long-term unemployment keeps rising, and what that means for workers in retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. They look at how energy costs from the Iran conflict are widening the split, and why the Federal Reserve can't fix this with interest rates alone. A focused, data-driven conversation about a labor market that's no longer one economy. #LaborMarket #JobsReport #Unemployment #WageGrowth #EconomicDivergence #JOLTS #MayJobsReport #LongTermUnemployment #EnergyCosts #IranConflict #FederalReserve #HighEndServices #LowerWageWorkers #Retail #Hospitality #Manufacturing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dig into the latest data on long-term unemployment. Despite a strong headline jobs number—nonfarm payrolls at 158.7 million in April—the share of workers unemployed for 27 weeks or more is climbing. They discuss what's driving this trend, the hidden costs for workers and the economy, and why it matters even as job openings hit 7.6 million. The hosts also explore how the Iran conflict and energy costs are prolonging joblessness for some workers. A data-driven look at a quiet but serious shift in the labor market. #LongTermUnemployment #LaborMarket #JobsReport #Unemployment #JOLTS #NonfarmPayrolls #IranWar #EnergyCosts #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Jobs #WageGrowth #ADP #InitialClaims #EmploymentCostIndex #StayAtHomeWorkers #GigEconomy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Labor Market Podcast, Lucas and Luna dig into the growing disconnect between surging job openings and rising unemployment claims. As of late May 2026, initial jobless claims hit 225,000, up sharply from 212,000 the prior week, even as JOLTS data showed openings climbed to 7.6 million in April. The hosts explore what this signal means—long-term unemployment is also on the rise, and the composition of hiring is shifting away from certain sectors. They discuss how energy costs, the Iran conflict, and tariff policies are straining specific industries, and why the classic 'tight labor market' narrative is becoming more complicated. A must-listen for anyone trying to read the real state of the U.S. labor market in mid-2026. #UnemploymentClaims #JobOpenings #JOLTS #LaborMarket #Economics #Employment #InitialClaims #LongTermUnemployment #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Tariffs #IranConflict #EnergyCosts #WageStagnation #EconomicData #PodcastEpisode #LaborMarketPodcast #Macroeconomics Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Labor Market Podcast with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna break down the latest JOLTS data showing job openings surged to 7.6 million in April 2026, the highest in nearly two years. But with wage growth barely budging, they explore the structural disconnect between employer demand and worker pay. They dig into which industries are driving the openings, why companies are offering signing bonuses instead of raises, and how energy inflation from the Iran conflict is quietly warping wage negotiations. A must-listen for anyone tracking the real state of the job market. #JobOpenings #JOLTS #WageGrowth #LaborMarket #Economics #Inflation #IranWar #EnergyCosts #SigningBonuses #WorkerPay #ADP #NonfarmPayrolls #Unemployment #April2026 #EmploymentCostIndex #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Labor Market Podcast, Lucas and Luna dive into the surprising April 2026 JOLTS report showing 7.6 million job openings—the highest in nearly two years. They explore why this surge coexists with flat unemployment and modest wage growth, focusing on the energy-cost squeeze from the Iran conflict and proposed new tariffs. Using ADP's May payroll number of 122,000 and the latest average hourly earnings data at $37.40, they examine how geopolitical shocks and trade policy are reshaping hiring dynamics. The hosts avoid repeating past angles—no wage-productivity gap, no gig economy, no quits—and instead zero in on the structural mismatch between open roles and available talent. They also connect this to the broader question of whether the labor market is tighter or looser than it appears. Data-driven and conversational, this episode offers a clear-eyed take on a complex jobs picture. #JobOpenings #WageStagnation #EmploymentCostIndex #ADPPayrolls #JOLTSReport #LaborMarket #UnemploymentRate #AverageHourlyEarnings #InflationImpact #Tariffs #IranConflict #EnergyCosts #HiringTrends #EconomicData #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Labor Market Podcast, Lucas and Luna explore the surprising return of signing bonuses in 2026. With job openings surging to 7.6 million in April — the highest in nearly two years — employers in sectors like trucking, healthcare, and hospitality are dangling cash bonuses, extra vacation days, and retention bonuses to attract and keep workers. Lucas breaks down the data: average hourly earnings are up just 5 cents from last month, but signing bonuses are showing up in job listings at their highest rate since 2022. They discuss why bonuses are replacing higher hourly wages in some industries, how the Iran war is squeezing energy costs and shaping these negotiations, and whether this trend is a sign of a tight labor market or a temporary fix. Luna asks the key question: are these bonuses actually working, or are they just masking deeper problems in worker retention? #SigningBonuses #LaborMarket #JobOpenings #Hiring #WageGrowth #Retention #Trucking #Healthcare #Hospitality #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast #Employment #Bonuses #Recruitment #Wages #JobMarket Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack the surprising April JOLTS report showing job openings surged to 7.6 million, the highest in nearly two years. They explore why openings are rising even as the Fed keeps rates elevated, and what this means for workers' bargaining power. The hosts also discuss the 'stay interview' trend — why more companies are using retention conversations to keep talent from leaving — and tie it to the latest data on quits and wages. Plus, a look at how the Iran war energy cost is subtly shaping which sectors are hiring most aggressively. #JOLTS #JobOpenings #LaborMarket #April2026 #StayInterviews #Retention #WageGrowth #QuitsRate #IranWar #EnergyCosts #FOMC #Employment #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Workers #Hiring #JobMarket Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

With core inflation stuck at 3.3% and energy costs up $450 per household due to the Iran war, Lucas and Luna examine why employers are raising wages for some workers but not others. They dig into the latest employment cost index data, which shows wage growth slowing for high-earning remote workers while hourly workers see gains. The hosts discuss how the Fed's single-minded focus on inflation is leaving wage negotiations in limbo, and why the labor market's 'decent shape' masks growing inequality. A timely look at the real trade-off between fighting price hikes and boosting paychecks. #EnergyInflation #IranWar #WageGrowth #FederalReserve #EmploymentCostIndex #CoreInflation #LaborMarket #WageNegotiations #RemoteWork #HourlyWorkers #PaycheckStrain #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #JobMarket #PriceHikes #FedPolicy #WageGap Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a quiet but powerful shift in the labor market: how surging energy costs tied to the Iran war are reshaping wage negotiations. With average hourly earnings up just 4.5% year-over-year but households spending an extra $450 monthly on gas and energy, workers are demanding higher pay not for career advancement but just to keep up. The hosts break down new data from the Employment Cost Index and wage settlement reports, revealing which industries are seeing the biggest adjustments and why remote workers may actually have more leverage than on-site employees. A must-listen for anyone trying to understand why your next raise might hinge on geopolitics, not performance. #EnergyCosts #WageNegotiations #IranWar #LaborMarket #Inflation #EmploymentCostIndex #RemoteWork #WageGrowth #Geopolitics #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #JobsReport #Unemployment #GasPrices #CostOfLiving #WorkerLeverage #HourlyWages Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

A growing number of workers are citing energy costs in salary talks. Lucas and Luna explore how the ongoing Iran war has added roughly $450 to the average household's monthly gas and energy bill, and how that number is showing up in bargaining sessions, quitting decisions, and even job acceptance rates. They discuss a recent survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta showing that 38% of job switchers now name commuting costs as a top-three factor in choosing a role, up from 22% before the conflict. The episode also touches on the Fed's latest inflation gauge—core PCE at 3.3%—and what it means for wages that are growing at roughly 4% annually. For the first time in years, the cost of getting to work is reshaping the geography of hiring, especially for lower-wage roles in retail, food service, and manufacturing. #IranWar #EnergyCosts #WageNegotiations #LaborMarket #Inflation #CommutingCosts #WageGrowth #AtlantaFed #CorePCE #JobSwitching #GasPrices #FederalReserve #Economics #WorkplaceTrends #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast #PodcastEpisode Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The Iran war is hitting household budgets in a specific way: $450 more per year on gas and energy. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down how that extra cost flows through the economy—from higher commuting expenses to ripple effects on retail prices and wage growth. They look at the latest data showing average hourly earnings up just 5 cents to $37.40, while energy inflation remains stubborn. Using the employment cost index and April's payroll figures, they explore whether wages can keep up with this new energy tax. Lucas explains why the Fed's Kashkari said inflation fight takes priority even with a 'decent' labor market, and what that means for workers. Luna asks whether this $450 drag is temporary or structural. If you're feeling the pinch at the pump and wondering when it eases, this episode connects the dots between geopolitics and your paycheck. #IranWar #EnergyInflation #HouseholdBudget #GasPrices #WageGrowth #LaborMarket #FederalReserve #Kashkari #EmploymentCostIndex #AverageHourlyEarnings #NonfarmPayrolls #ConsumerSpending #Geopolitics #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TheLaborMarketPodcast #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dissect how the Iran war's energy price shock is quietly dragging down real wage gains for American workers. With average hourly earnings up just 0.5% in April but gas prices surging, they trace the 'energy tax' eating into every paycheck — and why the Fed's preferred PCE measure shows inflation stuck at 3.3%. They break down which industries are absorbing the hit and why the labor market's 'decent shape' might not last if energy keeps climbing. Plus, a look at how 215,000 initial jobless claims are ticking up as consumers pull back. Episode 22 of The Labor Market Podcast. #EnergyInflation #IranWar #RealWageGrowth #LaborMarket #FedPolicy #PCE #GasPrices #ConsumerSpending #UnemploymentClaims #PaycheckStrain #WageGrowth #Inflation #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TheLaborMarketPodcast #Podcast #EconomicData Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The pandemic-era assumption that remote work commanded a pay premium is reversing. In this episode, Lucas and Luna examine fresh data showing that on-site and hybrid workers are now getting bigger raises than fully remote employees. They dig into the April 2026 jobless claims tick-up and wage growth figures to unpack why proximity to the office is suddenly worth more. Drawing on employer surveys and the latest Employment Cost Index, they explore how return-to-office mandates, mentorship concerns, and the Iran war energy shock are reshaping compensation. By the end, Lucas argues this is a structural shift in how employers value presence, not just a temporary adjustment. A sharp look at who wins and who loses in the new geography of pay. #RemoteWork #WageGrowth #ReturnToOffice #LaborMarket #OnSitePremium #PayGap #EmploymentCostIndex #JoblessClaims #IranWar #EnergyInflation #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TheLaborMarketPodcast #CompensationTrends #HybridWork #WorkFromHome Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The quits rate has fallen to its lowest level since the early pandemic, even as job openings remain plentiful and wage growth is solid. Lucas and Luna examine the data behind the 'stay-put' labor market of mid-2026 — including the April JOLTS report showing just 2.2 million quits, the role of remote work lock-in, and why workers who stay are actually getting raises faster than job-hoppers in some sectors. They also explore the geographic divide in quit behavior, with Sun Belt metros seeing higher churn than the Northeast. A specific, numbers-driven look at one of the most underreported trends in the current economy. #QuitsRate #JOLTS #LaborMarket #2026Economy #WorkerRetention #WageGrowth #RemoteWork #JobHopping #EmploymentTrends #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast #StayPutEconomy #SunBelt #Northeast #JobOpenings #EmployeeRetention Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 19 of The Labor Market Podcast digs into the latest JOLTS data — specifically the falling quits rate. With job openings down to 6.866 million but layoffs still low, Lucas and Luna explore why fewer workers are voluntarily leaving their jobs, even in a market where wages are still rising. They discuss the 'lock-in effect,' the impact of inflation uncertainty on worker mobility, and what the declining quits rate signals about confidence. Data from the April 2026 jobs report and the Fed's Kashkari comments anchor the conversation. The hosts also touch on the surprising resilience of the leisure and hospitality sector's quit rates and contrast it with white-collar industries. A must-listen for understanding the subtle dynamics beneath the headline unemployment numbers. #QuitsRate #JOLTS #LaborMarket #WorkerMobility #JobOpenings #LockInEffect #Inflation #FedPolicy #WageGrowth #UnemploymentRate #Economics #EmploymentTrends #LeisureAndHospitality #WhiteCollar #JobSecurity #May2026 #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Labor Market Podcast, Lucas and Luna dig into the latest initial jobless claims data from May 23, 2026, which ticked up to 215,000 — the highest level in months. They explore why claims are rising even as the unemployment rate stays flat at 4.3%, and what regional variations reveal about where the labor market is softening. Using data from state-level claims reports, they focus on California and New York as bellwethers for a broader trend: layoffs are becoming more concentrated in white-collar sectors like tech and finance, while blue-collar industries continue to hold steady. Lucas draws on a recent analysis by the San Francisco Fed showing that claims from high-wage states are outpacing low-wage states for the first time in this cycle. The hosts also examine how persistent inflation — core PCE at 3.3% — may be influencing employer hiring decisions. The episode offers a granular look at a key leading indicator and what it signals for the months ahead. #UnemploymentClaims #JoblessClaims #LaborMarket #EmploymentData #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #JOLTS #Inflation #FederalReserve #CaliforniaEconomy #NewYorkEconomy #WhiteCollarLayoffs #WageGrowth #RegionalEconomy #LeadingIndicators #EconomicData #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna examine a quiet structural shift in the American labor market: rising involuntary part-time employment even as overall payrolls expand. With the unemployment rate flat at 4.3 percent and job openings declining, more workers are accepting fewer hours than they want. The hosts explore what Bureau of Labor Statistics data on 'part-time for economic reasons' reveals about slack in the economy, how industries like retail and hospitality are driving the trend, and what this means for wage growth and Fed policy. They also connect the dots to the latest initial jobless claims uptick and the broader cooling narrative. A data-rich, conversation-driven episode for anyone tracking the real health of the job market beyond the headline payroll number. #InvoluntaryPartTime #LaborMarket #PartTimeWork #Underemployment #JobsReport #WageGrowth #FederalReserve #EconomicSlack #Retail #Hospitality #JOLTS #UnemploymentRate #BureauOfLaborStatistics #Business #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dig into new data showing that workers who switched jobs in early 2026 saw wage gains nearly double those who stayed put. With the unemployment rate flat at 4.3 percent and average hourly earnings ticking up to $37.40, the premium for changing jobs has widened to its largest gap since 2022. They explore which industries are fueling the trend, why employers are willing to pay up for external hires, and what it means for the Fed's inflation outlook. The conversation touches on the JOLTS data showing fewer openings but steady hiring, and how the quits rate — though lower than its 2022 peak — is still elevated in sectors like leisure and hospitality and professional services. Lucas also gives a behind-the-scenes look at how listener support via Buy Me a Coffee keeps the show ad-free. #JobHopping #WageGrowth #LaborMarket #QuitsRate #JOLTS #UnemploymentRate #AverageHourlyEarnings #Inflation #FederalReserve #ProfessionalServices #LeisureAndHospitality #JobSwitching #WagePremium #LucasAndLuna #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #May2026 Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the March JOLTS report on May 20, showing job openings fell to 6.87 million — the lowest since February 2021. But here's the twist: layoffs are not spiking, and hiring held firm at 5.7 million. Lucas and Luna break down what's really happening inside this data. Is the labor market merely normalizing, or is something deeper going on? They look at the quits rate, which has stabilized around 2.1 percent, and contrast it with the early-pandemic chaos. Plus, they explore how the decline in openings is concentrated in sectors like professional services and retail, while construction and health care still can't find enough workers. This episode gives you the one chart you need to understand the current labor market — and why the unemployment rate is stuck at 4.3 percent even as the economy adds jobs. #JOLTS #JobOpenings #LaborMarket #Hiring #QuitsRate #Unemployment #BureauOfLaborStatistics #Employment #Economics #Wages #ProfessionalServices #Retail #Construction #HealthCare #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Podcast #Fexingo Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a surprising shift in the labor market: the rise of workers who are not in the labor force and not looking for work, yet are not retired. Using recent data including the April 2026 unemployment rate of 4.3 percent and the drop in job openings to 6.9 million, they discuss how this 'stay-at-home' trend is reshaping the economy. They examine who these workers are—often prime-age adults caring for family or dealing with health issues—and why their absence from the labor force is a structural challenge, not a cyclical one. The hosts also connect the trend to wage growth for hourly workers and the broader implications for productivity and inflation. This episode offers a fresh angle on a quietly persistent economic puzzle. #LaborMarket #StayAtHomeWorkers #LaborForceParticipation #Unemployment #JOLTS #WageGrowth #HourlyWorkers #Productivity #Inflation #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna #PrimeAgeWorkers #StructuralUnemployment #JobOpenings #LaborSupply #EconomicTrends Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna explore how the rise of gig work is clashing with a decades-old unemployment insurance system. With April's unemployment rate holding at 4.3 percent but the labor force composition shifting, more workers fall through the cracks of a system designed for full-time W-2 employees. The hosts break down the numbers: initial jobless claims dipped to 209,000 in mid-May, but that count misses gig workers who don't qualify. They examine proposals in states like New York and California to create portable benefits systems, and what that would mean for both workers and platforms. Drawing on recent JOLTS data showing job openings at 6.9 million, they discuss how a tightening labor market might force the issue. A clear-eyed look at a structural mismatch that's only getting worse. #GigEconomy #UnemploymentBenefits #LaborMarket #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #PortableBenefits #IndependentContractors #W2 #1099 #JoblessClaims #JOLTS #NewYork #California #Policy #WorkerClassification #LaborLaw #SocialSafetyNet Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dig into the latest employment data as of May 26, 2026 — specifically the average hourly earnings figure of $37.40 — to uncover which sectors are seeing real wage gains after years of falling behind inflation. They contrast construction and hospitality, where wages are up 6-8% year-over-year, with white-collar fields like tech and finance where real wages are still shrinking. The hosts discuss why the hot labor market for blue-collar workers is finally translating into bargaining power, and whether this trend can last if the economy softens. Featuring a close look at the JOLTS data showing job openings have fallen to 6.87 million but layoffs remain low — a sign employers are hoarding labor even as hiring cools. A grounded, data-rich conversation for anyone watching their paycheck against the cost of living. #WageGrowth #Inflation #LaborMarket #BlueCollarWorkers #AverageHourlyEarnings #JobOpenings #JOLTS #ConstructionWages #HospitalityWages #RealWages #EmploymentCostIndex #FedPolicy #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LaborMarketPodcast #LucasAndLuna #May2026 Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo