The week of April 8, 2025

Weekly Economic & Business Outlook

Latest Economic Outlook
  • The newly announced effective tariff rate would be the highest in over a century.
  • Experts expect the impact of such restrictive trade policy will dampen economic growth.
  • Staffing firms should adjust their short-term outlooks and anticipate further headwinds.
Latest Staffing Research
  • The LinkedIn hiring rate grew 0.3% from January to February
  • Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Los Angeles experienced gains, while the hiring rate slowed in Denver, Seattle, and St. Louis
  • Federal layoffs were evident in the data, as the hiring rate in government administration fell 6.4%

The ASA Weekly Economic Business Outlook is for members of the American Staffing Association.

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This Week’s Economic Outlook
  • Average hourly earnings have struggled to keep pace with inflation.
  • Compensation will continue to outpace inflation given declining inflation, moderating labor market dynamics, and lower interest rates.
  • Staffing firms can keep offers competitive by accounting for inflation dynamics.
This Week’s Staffing Research
  • Elevated inflation and interest rates have increased compensation demands by workers.
  • A recent ASA Workforce Monitor® found many U.S. workers are still concerned about their finances.
  • Pessimism among workers regarding their finances has reduced labor churn.

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