-- US job openings fell to 6.866 million in March from 6.922 million in February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slightly ahead of the 6.850 million openings expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.
The March level represents 4.1% of total employment, down from 4.2% both in February and from a year earlier.
At the same time, hiring rose to 5.554 million from 4.899 million in February, lifting the hiring rate to 3.5% from 3.1%.
Separations increased in the month to 5.378 million from 5.022 million in February. Quits and layoffs both increased.