US job openings rose modestly in July, indicating broadly stable labor demand.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics said openings increased to 7.27 mln in July from
a revised 7.18 mln in June, slightly below the median economist estimate of 7.31
mln. Increases were concentrated in manufacturing, state and local government
(excluding education), and health care and social assistance. Layoffs fell to
their lowest level since January, while the quits rate edged down to 1.9%.
