Tag Archive for: Economic News

Treasury Secretary Bessent Accuses China of Economic Sabotage Amid Trade Tensions

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Accuses China of Trying to ‘Pull Everybody Else Down’ Amid Economic Struggles

In a recent talk with the Financial Times, the US Treasury head Scott Bessent sharply criticized China’s economic plan. He said China, which now faces deep money problems, tries to pull the world down with it.

Export Controls on Critical Resources Stir Controversy

Bessent spoke after Beijing announced on October 9, 2025 a new set of limits on exports. China set these limits on rare earth materials meant for military work. Rare earths help power advanced devices. The United States needs them to run defense systems like the F-35 jet, Tomahawk missiles, and smart bombs.

Bessent said China plans its move to slow the global pace. He warned that while China uses this tactic to slow down trade, it will end up suffering the most from its own controls.

Heightened Tensions Ahead of Key U.S.-China Meeting

These moves add strain just before a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. In reply to the export limits, President Trump said he will tax Chinese goods by 100% starting November 1, 2025, and he even hinted that the meeting could be canceled.

The trade dispute has put pressure on global markets. Major Wall Street indexes dropped sharply when the news spread.

Economic Struggles and Global Impact

Bessent said China is now near a recession or worse. He claimed the nation tries to send out its problems by stopping exports. He warned that these hard measures hurt China’s reputation around the world.

• China’s export limits target rare earths and minerals that drive modern tech.
• The move has sparked worry in US defense and factory circles.
• The tension has led to steep taxes and talk of ending talks.
• Market moves show investors fear long-lasting rough patches in US-China trade.

Looking Ahead

With the US-China meeting close, many around the world now watch to see if talks can lower the strain or if the dispute will keep growing and shake up global trade and safety.

This article is based on confirmed statements by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as reported in the Financial Times and market developments leading up to mid-October 2025.

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Labor Department Resumes Work on CPI Inflation Report Amid Government Shutdown, Data Release Delayed

Labor Department to Release Key CPI Inflation Report Amid Government Shutdown; Other Data Delayed

Even as the federal government shuts down, the Labor Department restarts work on the CPI report. The Department pays close attention to the link between the government pause and the need for inflation data. Inflation numbers for September will soon be seen, though they come with a delay.

CPI Report Resumption and Timing

A White House official notes that the Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the Labor Department, now resumes work on the September CPI numbers. The report was planned nine days before. The report will now appear at 8:30 a.m. Eastern on October 24, 2025. The CPI shows price shifts for many goods and services over time. This link helps consumers, business people, and decision makers see inflation trends.

Reason for Resuming Work on CPI

BLS stopped work on the report when the government ran short on funds. The Social Security Administration needs the CPI for the third quarter. They must use the numbers to set cost-of-living changes by November 1. This need moved the report forward despite the shutdown.

Other Economic Data Releases Delayed

The CPI report goes ahead. Yet, other data—like the nonfarm payroll report—do not move forward. The shutdown has caused these delays. The Senate did not pass the funding bills and this pause now affects many government agencies and key data for economic analysis.

Context and Impact

  • The report gives insight into inflation trends and helps guide actions by the Federal Reserve, investors, and consumers.
  • The delay in other reports affects the view of markets and government plans.
  • The shutdown shows how a deadlock in funding changes government work and the flow of economic data.

Background on Shutdown

The shutdown has stopped many official reports and services. The Labor Department now puts CPI work ahead of most tasks. This step matters for planning cost-of-living changes for federal benefits.

Summary:

  • Labor Department and BLS will restart the CPI report for September even with the shutdown.
  • The CPI report will be released on October 24, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern—nine days behind schedule.
  • The report is needed to set cost-of-living changes before November 1.
  • Other key data, such as nonfarm payrolls, remain behind due to the shutdown.
  • The Senate has not passed the funding bills, keeping the shutdown in place.

This update gives some relief to markets and people who wait for inflation data, even as broader issues keep government work at a slow pace.

— Reporting by Alex Harring, CNBC

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Unlocking Extra Space: A Smart Strategy to Expand Your Home Without Moving

Here’s One Way to Increase the Size of Your House Without Moving

By Garry Marr, Financial Post, October 10, 2025

If you fear moving to a larger home, try a different plan. Many Canadians shed clutter and use self-storage. The housing market now drops prices by near 20% in some parts. The economy may stall, so people rethink how they use their rooms and things.

Decluttering: More Than Just Tidying Up

This trend is not about body shaming. It cuts the extra load of junk in your home. Most people own basements, garages, or spare rooms that hold items rarely used. Experts say these spaces hide "treasure" that one later sells for little, donates, or throws away. They warn that using living space as storage may cost more than paying for an outside option.

Home prices in cities such as Toronto top about $1,000 per square foot. Money spent on keeping unused items inside adds up quickly.

Self-Storage: The Thriving Industry

Here, the self-storage industry steps in. Canadians now use it more, nearing Americans who have almost twice as much storage per person. Ontario Municipal Property Assessment Corporation said Ontario has 7.3 million square feet of self-storage. That area equals roughly 2,200 NHL ice rinks. The space grew by 11% from 2020 in just three years. It does not slow much even if the housing market does.

Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? now run over 175 franchises in Canada, the United States, and Australia. They help people downsize and sort their items. James Alisch, Chief Revenue and Operating Officer, notes that many Baby Boomers now downsize. Families then figure out what to keep, store, or toss.

Why Canadians Are Choosing Storage

Many factors drive the surge in self-storage:

• Homes now offer smaller spaces with fewer garages or basements.
• Higher home costs force better space use.
• Events like marriage, children, or downsizing add storage needs.
• Economic doubts block moves while boost storage needs.

Danny Freedman, Interim CEO of Forum Make Space, leads a firm that runs about 28 storage centers in Canada. He notes that a pandemic once raised use, and even after a small drop, demand stays high. New storage builds cost more. This fact lifts rental rates.

The Hidden Cost of Keeping Untamed Clutter

Many homes lose room use when they turn a space into storage. When you compare the cost of owning or renting a storage unit with lost room value, the storage cost can seem a good deal. Decluttering and using outside storage can make your house feel larger. This plan works without the stress or price of moving.

A Resilient Market

Investors now back self-storage. They see it as a safe bet amid long-lasting life trends. Colliers International says that even if new supply changes rates a bit, buyer trust remains strong. Growth in storage comes from steady life changes. This trend goes beyond simple economic ups and downs.

Final Thoughts: Declutter to Expand Your Living Space

For many Canadians, tight living spaces make life hard. Decluttering with self-storage can add extra room. Moving is one way to gain space, but smart use of what you own can work, too. It saves money and avoids the pain of relocating.

If you feel stuck with too much clutter or do not know where to start, many companies help remove junk and guide you in sorting your things.

This article is part of ongoing coverage on real estate and personal finance trends. Subscribe for full access to Financial Post content, including expert insights and market analyses.

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Boosting Productivity: Bank of Canada’s Rogers Advocates for Competition in the Financial Sector

Bank of Canada’s Carolyn Rogers: Competition in Canadian Financial Sector Key to Boosting Productivity

Toronto, October 9, 2025 – Carolyn Rogers, Senior Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada, said competition in Canada’s financial firms can boost productivity. She spoke at the Canadian Club in Toronto. In her speech, Rogers linked ideas closely. Each word connects directly to the next, so the message stays tight and clear.

Productivity Slump Poses Urgent Challenge

Canada’s productivity has stalled. Rogers calls this an emergency. New data shows a 1% drop in productivity in the second quarter of 2025. This drop is the largest in three years. It comes as trade tensions with the United States rise. Rogers links the drop to the need for reforms.

She explained, “Higher productivity won’t make Canada immune to U.S. trade policy, but it would help buffer the effects of tariffs.” Rogers adds, “This is the clearest path to boosting real wages, and it helps make life more affordable.”

Competition as a Driver of Innovation and Efficiency

Rogers says competition forces firms to work fast and smart. It makes them invest in new ideas and improve services. She uses a hockey metaphor: “You always skate a little harder in the game than you do in practice. And when the game starts, the tougher the opponent, the harder you skate.”

Today, six large banks hold about 93% of all banking assets. This strong hold brings stability. Still, strong ties can slow productivity, limit innovation, and reduce consumer choices. Rogers lets us know, “Many argue that this level of concentration has clear negative impacts.”

Emerging Reforms Aim to Enhance Contestability

Looking ahead, Rogers sees hope in new reforms. Regulators and technologists want to open up the financial field. One plan is open banking. Open banking gives consumers more control over their data. This change connects banks and buyers more closely and fairly.

Another plan is the Real-Time Rail project. This project will update payment systems so firms can send money instantly. Rogers points to a study that sees more than $3 billion in efficiency gains in five years. She builds the idea on a clear link between instant payments and more economic strength. “The experiences of countries with instant payment systems show that these systems have real benefits,” Rogers said.

Balancing Competition with Stability and Inclusion

Rogers also warns that more contest does not mean no rules. Too much competition risks underinvestment and financial harm. It may also expose vulnerable groups to risky practices. Rogers stresses, “We need to ensure that while we encourage contestability in finance, transport, telecoms, and energy, we do not sacrifice stability or equal access.”

Global Regulatory Context

Rogers notes that other nations also shape their rules. The United States is cutting back on financial sector rules. In the United Kingdom, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said regulation can hold businesses back. These signals point to a worldwide trend. Each idea is linked clearly to the next, with short connections that show how change can build fresh strength.

Conclusion: Embracing Competition for Economic Growth

In her closing words, Rogers told policymakers and leaders to “lean into” competition. This means taking steps that connect competition directly with stronger productivity, better wages, and a solid economy. She shows that even with tradeoffs, a clear and close link between ideas leads to innovation and growth.

For further details on this topic, subscribe to Financial Post for in-depth coverage and expert analysis on Canada’s evolving economic landscape.

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Navigating the Stablecoin Storm: Why Canada Must Act Now to Protect Its Financial Future

John Ruffolo Warns Canada: The Stablecoin Storm Is Coming and We Can’t Afford to Snooze

By John Ruffolo, Special to Financial Post
Published October 8, 2025

Canada once relied on steel, oil, and lumber. Today, digital rails carry data, ideas, and money. These rails now traverse invisible networks. American firms build most of them. Canada must act soon; else its economy will depend on U.S.-built rails and rules.

The U.S. Leads the Stablecoin Surge

On July 18, the United States passed the Genius Act. This law backs stablecoins with the U.S. dollar. These coins tie one-to-one with U.S. Treasury securities. They now enter mainstream finance. U.S. stablecoins own 99 percent of the market.

Every stablecoin use helps finance U.S. government debt. Every payment feeds U.S. banks. Every transaction moves Canadian data across the border.

Why Canada Must Pay Attention

Stablecoins now process more transactions than Visa and Mastercard. Their use brings several risks for Canadians:

  • Capital Flight: A shift of only 5 percent of Canadian bank deposits—around $135 billion—into U.S. stablecoins may drop domestic lending by about $675 billion. This loss will hit essential loans for homes, small businesses, and provincial infrastructure.
  • Rising Borrowing Costs: Fewer deposits mean lower demand for Government of Canada bonds. Ottawa might then need to offer higher interest rates.
  • Monetary Policy Constraints: More U.S. digital dollars in Canadian hands can weaken the Bank of Canada’s control over money supply and interest rates.
  • Sovereignty Risks: Relying on U.S.-issued stablecoins lets American regulators freeze Canadian company funds held in digital wallets. This move can harm Canada’s financial independence.

Outdated Canadian Regulation Hampers Progress

Canadian regulators treat fiat-backed stablecoins as securities. This view is like judging a Tesla as if it were a horse-drawn carriage. Using this lens pushes real stablecoin issuers to leave Canada. Canadians then depend on foreign—mainly American—stablecoin products.
In contrast, economies in Europe, Singapore, the U.K., South Korea, and the U.S. treat stablecoins as payment tools. This treatment fits their true role and sparks innovation.

A Three-Point Plan for Canadian Prosperity

Canada must move quickly with these steps:

  1. Regulatory Clarity: Change the law to view fiat-backed stablecoins as payment tools rather than securities. Set rules for one-to-one backing with Canadian dollars and Government of Canada bonds. Use clear controls like bankruptcy-remote custody, daily reserve checks, independent audits, and allow OSFI-regulated banks to issue tokenized deposits and Canadian stablecoins. This move keeps Canadian yield and valuable financial data at home.
  2. Financial Sovereignty: Keep reserves, servers, and managing systems only in Canada. Let OSFI-regulated Canadian banks hold these stablecoin assets. Handle disputes under Canadian law. This rule cuts off the reach of foreign regulators.
  3. Adoption and Interoperability: Build digital payment rails that work with current banking apps and systems like the Real-Time Rail. Keep fees low to attract merchants and consumers. The federal government should lead by example. It can accept Canadian stablecoins for tax payments, rebates, and fees. This step will grow public trust.

Looking Ahead: Building a Secure Payment Future

This call is not about chasing trends or fueling speculation. It is a call to build a Canadian payment rail that is as secure and clear as cash. The rail must be rooted in trust, transparency, and Canadian law. These steps are vital. They help Canada compete in a digital world and stop foreign powers from taking control.

John Ruffolo, founder of tech-focused Maverix Private Equity in Toronto, warns that Canada must face the “stablecoin storm” at its doorstep. Its leaders must craft a strong plan before it is too late.

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WTO Raises Global Trade Growth Outlook for 2025 Amid Looming Slowdown in 2026

WTO Raises Global Trade Growth Forecast for 2025 but Predicts Slowdown in 2026

The World Trade Organization (WTO) changed its view on world trade. It now sees trade growing by 2.4% in 2025. This is higher than the 0.9% forecast earlier. Yet the WTO warns that trade will pick up very slowly in 2026. ### Key Highlights from the WTO Report

  • In 2025, trade will grow by 2.4%.
  • In 2026, trade will grow by only 0.5%. The previous plan was 1.8%.
  • A cooling global economy and rising tariffs bring the slower pace.

Contributing Factors to Trade Growth in 2025

  • Many firms sped up imports to beat expected tariff hikes. This move raised U.S. trade.
  • Good economic trends, steady fiscal moves, and firm labor markets helped raise incomes and spending.
  • Growth in new markets added to trade.
  • Increasing demand for AI items provided a boost. Nearly half the growth came from items like chips, servers, and telecom devices that grew 20% over the year.

The Rising Influence of AI on Global Trade

  • Asia led in AI trade, making up almost two-thirds of the increase in early 2025.
  • The U.S. produced about 20% of the AI trade growth.
  • Trade now runs from raw materials, such as silicon and specialty gases, to parts for cloud tools and AI work.

Risks to Global Trade Outlook

  • New tariff measures in more countries may slow trade.
  • The global economy shows signs of softening. Business and consumer hope drop, and gains in jobs and income slow down in rich markets.
  • Trade in services will also slow. In 2024, services grew by 6.8%. They will grow by 4.6% in 2025 and 4.4% in 2026. Even though tariffs do not hit services directly, services feel the change from goods trade.

WTO Director-General’s Remarks

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of the WTO made clear how careful moves, visa tariff responses, and growth from AI and new markets helped ease problems in 2025. She said,
"Trade stability in 2025 comes in large part from the rules that bind us all. We must not be lazy."

She called on nations to rethink and strengthen world trade rules so more people can share in better times even as challenges come.

The WTO report shows that world trade is complex. AI creates new ways for growth, but trade disputes and a softer economy will test progress. All eyes will be on these changes in the years ahead.

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Military Pay Deadline Could Push Trump and Congress Towards Shutdown Resolution

Military Pay Date Puts Pressure on Trump and Congress Amid Government Shutdown

Washington, D.C., October 6, 2025 – The government shutdown drags on with no fix in view. The military pay date on October 15 now weighs heavy. Nearly 1.3 million active military members stand at its center. Missed pay risks sparking public anger and pushes lawmakers toward a deal.

Military Pay Deadline as a Key “Forcing Event”

Goldman Sachs economists share a note with their clients. They point out that the pay day on Oct. 15 may push both sides toward a compromise. Their note links this deadline with a chance to end the shutdown by mid-October. Betting sites like Polymarket show a 71% chance that the impasse lasts past Oct. 14. If the pay date passes without funds, many will feel upset. Lawmakers may then back a short-term fix called a continuing resolution. This plan would keep the government running while talks go on.

Wide Impact of the Shutdown

The shutdown hits more than just military pay. It stops important data that officials need. It may also slow airport security when TSA workers miss shifts. Policy expert Ed Mills at Raymond James says late military pay, disrupted TSA work, or postponed mortgage help may push the sides to change course. He sees a brief continuing resolution as most likely but admits a longer shutdown is still a risk.

Other Deadlines to Watch

Officials and experts note more dates that may add pressure:

  • October 13: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program benefits may end.
  • November 1: Obamacare health insurance open enrollment begins.
  • November 21: Congress starts its Thanksgiving recess during busy travel times.

Pimco analysts remind us that starting a shutdown is much easier than ending one. This shutdown, the first full one since 2013, now proves hard to resolve.

Political Standoff and Few Signs of Change

Senate votes are scheduled, yet experts expect little progress soon. President Trump warns that ongoing funding problems could turn temporary layoffs into lasting job cuts. Both parties hold firm, and key decisions stall. Goldman Sachs economists see military pay worries as a push toward a deal. Still, other outcomes remain on the table:

  • The Defense Department might pay troops with its own plans even if funds are low.
  • Congress could pass money solely to cover military pay while leaving the shutdown unresolved.

The October 15 pay date now stands as a key moment that may shift the balance toward ending the funding deadlock.

Summary: The shutdown faces a defining moment with the October 15 military pay date. Missing these payments may stir enough public and political force for Trump and Congress to set a budget deal or pass a short-term fix. With steady positions and few signs of quick change, experts warn that the shutdown might last longer, affecting more services and the public overall.

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Mongolia’s Leap into the Future: The Chinggis Khaan Sovereign Wealth Fund and the Data Center Revolution

Mongolia Joins the Global Data Center Boom with Chinggis Khaan Sovereign Wealth Fund

Mongolia is set to join a fast-growing data center market. The country has rich natural resources and a kind climate that suit new digital projects. This step comes from a plan that uses the Chinggis Khaan Sovereign Wealth Fund. The fund uses money from Mongolia’s mineral wealth to boost social well-being, build roads, and work on green energy projects.

A New Era Powered by Data and Renewables

The law started the fund in April 2024. It now holds about $1.4 billion. The fund works to change Mongolia’s economy by investing in the rising need for data centers for cloud computing and AI. Global AI tasks grow, and data centers that use less power are needed.

Temuulen Bayaraa, head of the fund, spoke at the Milken Institute Asia Summit in Singapore. She said, "We have vast land and a good climate for data centers." The fund plans special economic zones like Hunnu City. Hunnu City will be a smart urban area built for data center work and related tasks.

Aligning Investments with Green Energy Initiatives

The fund also directs money to build large renewable energy grids. This plan helps increase the flow of green energy outside Mongolia. The country lies between Russia and China and builds strong ties with both. These links help in supplying green power to nearby markets.

Mongolia now plans to grow green power in its electricity mix to 30% by 2030. This is a jump from 18.3% in 2023. The fund puts support into wind and solar projects that power data centers and meet world plans for cleaner energy.

Responding to Global Trends and Domestic Needs

This fund follows a seen trend in Asia. Countries like Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia invest more in data centers as AI and cloud projects grow. Goldman Sachs sees that energy use by data centers will go up by 50% by 2027 and possibly by 165% by 2030. Mongolia aims to cut risk from mineral price swings. The country’s minerals are a key funding source. Erdenes Mongol, a state-owned company with stakes in mining, manages the fund to share mining money in a fair way.

Rebuilding Trust and Driving Inclusive Growth

Many Mongolians have felt that mineral wealth was not shared well. In 2025, widespread protests led to the exit of Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai. Bayaraa said the fund must rebuild trust by using mineral money for the people.

She stated, "The fund builds trust by managing and sharing wealth in a separate way." It will pay for schools, health care, housing, and job training. This plan should help grow a strong middle class and support fair progress.

Citizens can watch the fund’s money go through an easy-to-use app. This step helps everyone see where funds go.

Attracting Global Expertise with a Local Impact

The fund also plans to hire Mongolian experts who have worked abroad in banking, investing, and wealth management. These skilled people will help run the country’s funds. Bayaraa noted, "Mongolia has long drawn foreign money into the country. Now, for the first time, we invest to join a global scene."

As Mongolia moves into the data center space backed by green energy and a strong fund, the nation looks to build a diverse, clear, and fair economic future.

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The Missing Jobs Report: Insights on the Economy Amid Government Shutdown

Government Shutdown Halts Key Jobs Report: What September’s Labor Market Would Have Revealed

On Friday, October 2, 2025, the expected Bureau of Labor Statistics report did not come out. The government shutdown in Washington, D.C. stopped the report. Investors, policymakers, and economists did not get new data on the U.S. labor market. This gap made many ask about how September’s employment behaved. Other data and market clues show a labor market that is steady yet mixed as it adjusts after the pandemic.

What the Missing Jobs Report Would Have Said

Before the shutdown, Dow Jones consensus forecasts set an increase of roughly 51,000 jobs. They also set the unemployment rate to hold at 4.3%. These numbers spoke of modest labor market growth. Chicago Federal Reserve President Austan Goolsbee said the labor market stayed “pretty stable” during a CNBC talk after the shutdown. To fill the gap, the Chicago Fed built a simple dashboard. It tracks hiring and layoff rates and gives a new view of employment trends after heavy criticism of the old data.

Indicators Point to An Anemic but Steady Labor Market

Even without the government number, private and state data give clues:

  • Job postings on sites like Indeed dropped by about 8.9% compared to last year. This drop shows softer worker demand.
  • ADP’s private payroll report showed 32,000 fewer jobs in September and 3,000 fewer in August. This drop marks a slower pace in hiring.
  • State data on initial jobless claims suggest about 224,000 claims nationwide. The number is a bit high, but it stays close to long-term trends.

Employers seem to be careful with layoffs. They recall the hard work needed to rehire during the COVID-19 times. The labor market looks like this:

  • Job growth stayed small,
  • Fewer positions were open,
  • New workers, especially young ones and fresh graduates, search longer for jobs.

Uneven Recovery Across Sectors

Not every sector gained equally:

  • Healthcare led most job growth and job postings. The need for nurses and caregivers stayed high.
  • In contrast, work in software development did not grow as much, and the job view splits.
  • Other areas like business services and leisure show mixed signs.

Indeed’s senior economist Cory Stahle said that the split shows work chances focus on certain fields.

Broader Economic Signals and Small Business Outlook

Other signs come from consumer spending. For example:

  • Bank of America noted a 2.2% increase in credit and debit card use in late September. This uptick hints at strong consumer buying, even as jobs grow slowly.
  • Fiserv’s small business index recorded a 2.3% rise in sales and transactions for the year, a small but steady gain.

At the same time, small businesses feel mixed moods. The National Federation of Independent Business chief economist Bill Dunkelberg saw a big gap between available jobs and filled positions. Many job spots stayed open despite plans to hire more.

The Bottom Line

The shutdown stopped the release of the key report. Yet, many data points show that the U.S. job scene in September 2025 appears as follows:

  • It stays steady but moves slowly.
  • Some sectors, like healthcare, do well while others lag.
  • New workers face challenges in getting started.
  • Employers work with caution in hiring new staff.

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Navigating Adversity: The Struggles of Recent College Grads in a Tough Job Market

The Job Market Slowdown Is Hitting Recent College Graduates Hard

Today young college graduates face a slow job market. A degree does not open a clear path to work. The U.S. market now shows real strains that shape early careers.

A Tough Landscape for New Graduates

Christina Salvadore, 23, holds a degree from Georgetown University. She has done several internships. She planned to start a job in New York City in the fashion or beauty field. Yet, she now finds it hard to land a full-time job. She sent many applications and went to several network meetings since last spring.

"I spend my days on LinkedIn at my parents’ house," Christina said to a news channel. With few full-time roles, she picks part-time work to pay bills. This is not the bold start many had once seen.

Her story joins reports of more young graduates without work. New federal figures show that new college grads face high jobless numbers and problems getting white-collar work. This change also shifts how first-time job seekers find work.

Statistical Evidence of a Decline

Recent federal data now shows that the rate for "new entrants" in full-time work is at its top for nine years in 2025. The share of jobless new grads is at its highest in decades. A leading labor research group, Burning Glass Institute, now calls the U.S. a "no country for young grads." The team led by chief economist Gad Levanon released a report this summer. He points out that a bachelor’s degree no longer brings the white-collar career one expects. Levanon notes that, for the first time in modern times, a four-year degree does not keep its promise for many young people.

Young people with bachelor’s degrees have usually had lower jobless rates than others with only a high school diploma. Now, the difference is very small—its narrowest gap since the early 2000s.

The Emotional Toll and Social Media Reflections

The search for full-time work now affects the minds of new grads. Many feel stress and worry. On social media sites like TikTok, young adults share their job hunt stories. These posts speak about slow progress, unanswered applications, and other problems. Many note that entry jobs now ask for years of experience. Some also say that they have had to move back with their parents.

The feelings run deep. Many say they feel like they are “crashing out” as doubt fills their minds. Michael Hartman, a Boston College graduate with an economics degree, has looked for work for nearly a year without success. He even asked advice from a psychic, showing how lost some feel.

Economic Policymakers Take Notice

Top economic leaders now see this slow hiring landscape. Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair, has noted that young workers now face a tougher search for jobs. He points to a time when few people are fired and few are hired. Data from August shows that hiring has slowed and fewer people change jobs. A 25% jump in those unemployed for 27 weeks or more warns of a soft labor market. Rising college enrollments and steady demand for degree holders add to the gap between jobs and workers.

Emerging Challenges: AI and Automation

New computer technology now brings more change. The rise of artificial intelligence puts some entry-level roles at risk. A study from Stanford in August found that jobs for those aged 22-25 have fallen by 13% since 2022. Leaders at large firms like Walmart and Accenture now say that AI will alter work requirements very much. Many young workers now worry more about losing their jobs. Surveys show that 18- to 34-year-olds feel the risk of job loss is as high as it was in past downturns.

Varied Impact Across Sectors

All parts of work do not feel the same pain. Some parts still show open entry roles. For example:

  • Software development roles now run at about 66% of their level before the pandemic.
  • Nursing job listings have grown by 16%.

Yet, many fields now lose more entry roles than they add. In technology, the drop is strong—over 50% fewer entry hires at large firms since 2019. While some areas show hope, the close job market makes many worry.

The Changing Outlook for College Graduates

Soon-to-be graduates like Emma Zatkulak, a communications major at Boise State University, now start looking for work much sooner than planned. Emma works two jobs while studying. She attends interviews for sales and insurance roles—jobs she did not consider before this slow market.

"This has been very stressful," Emma says. "I have not felt calm in a few months."

For many young people, the promise of a degree as a sure path to steady work now seems dim. This shared struggle may change how they view higher education and career plans for many years.

Conclusion

The slow pace of hiring changes early career views for new college graduates across the United States. Some fields still show hope, while shifts in the market, new technology, and less available work force many young people today. Policymakers, educators, and industries all now study these trends. Young workers keep moving forward, tied closely to each new connection and effort.

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