Australian Job Market Sees Slight Dip Amid Education and Retail Pullback

The Australian job advertisement market showed a modest fall in July, primarily influenced by decreased activity in the education and retail sectors. This drop follows a rise in June, hinting at a gradual easing in the labor market, according to recent data from the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group and the employment site Indeed.

With job ads 0.1% higher than the previous year and still 14.4% above pre-pandemic levels, economist Aaron Luk from ANZ remarked that a significant loosening in the labor market seems unlikely. Despite this, the sector has seen a narrow fluctuation within a 114–117 range since mid-2024.

The Reserve Bank of Australia continues to view the labor market as nearing full employment, although recent indicators of fewer than expected job additions and a rise in the unemployment rate to 4.3% have raised concerns. As a reaction to lower-than-expected quarterly inflation, the central bank is likely to cut interest rates next week, following its surprise decision to hold rates in July.

(With inputs from agencies.)