Economic uncertainty is seeping into consumer expectations, which can become something of a self-fulfilling prophecy, an Aspen Institute economist says.

At the end of the day, consumers need jobs and stable income, says labor economist Elizabeth Crofoot of Lightcast.

Delinquencies have been rising for credit cards and auto loans.

Pessimism can start to shape reality if people put off asking for a raise or decide to take a worse job then they might have otherwise.

Pavlina Tcherneva at Bard College says that COVID provided an opportunity to rethink the labor market, health care and housing — but we missed that opportunity.

The monthly jobs report is actually two reports based on two surveys that use different sources for different information.

Outside of chronically short-staffed sectors, many firms are finding qualified workers easily. Openings are scarce in some white-collar fields.

Private-sector hiring slowed down in February and small businesses cut jobs. Plus, new unemployment claims were up last week.

But it might not be as good news as one might think for the labor market.

The low hiring rate reveals weakness despite low unemployment, says Kathryn Anne Edwards. Per the JOLTS report, openings declined in December.