US job openings rose to 7.271 million in July according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, below the 7.313 million openings expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:40 am ET but up from the 7.182 million openings reported in June.
The July level represents 4.4% of total employment, up from 4.3% in June and 4.3% a year earlier.
At the same time, hiring fell to 5.054 million from 5.332 million in June, lowering the hiring rate to 3.2% from 3.4% in June and 3.3% a year ago.
Separations declined in the month to 5.072 million from 5.337 million in June. Quits and layoffs both declined.