US job openings fell by 256,000 to 7.079 million in August 2026 from a revised 7.335 million in July, marking a five-month low and undershooting market expectations of about 7.23 million. The job-openings rate declined to 4.3% from 4.4%, while hiring rose to 5.192 million and layoffs and discharges fell to 1.641 million, pointing to weaker demand for workers alongside limited job cuts. Consumer confidence fell to its lowest level since 2014 as households faced rising costs and economic concerns, while long-term unemployment increased. US stocks traded lower on Tuesday following the data. The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 3.75%-4.00% this month as it remained focused on inflation.