U.S. job openings rose in May after posting outsized declines in the prior two months, but the trend remained consistent with an easing in labor market conditions that could pave the way for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates this year.

US initial jobless claims rose 243,000 last week, higher than what was expected and climbing higher from 223,000 the prior week. This marks the highest level of weekly jobless claims since August 2023.

The total number of Americans collecting unemployment benefits rose after declining last week for the first time in 10 weeks. About 1.87 million Americans were collecting jobless

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits rose again last week and appear to be settling consistently at a slightly higher though still healthy level.