Conference Board International Labor Comparisons / Labor Markets Remain Stable in Many Advanced Economies – MarketWatch

Labor markets remain stable in many advanced economies, according to unemployment rates and employment growth data compiled and standardized by The Conference Board International Labor Comparisons (ILC) program for September.

The unemployment rate in September was unchanged in four of the nine countries compared. Unemployment decreased in three countries – U.S., Japan and Australia. Japan had the lowest rate at 3.5 percent – a trend which has continued since July 2011. However, the jobless rate in Italy and France increased. These countries also had the highest unemployment rates in September (12.6 percent and 10.9 percent respectively).

“Despite record high unemployment in Europe, joblessness in some economies outside of Europe remains stable or is decreasing,” said Elizabeth Crofoot, Senior Economist with the International Labor Comparisons program at The Conference Board. “Particularly in the United States, Canada, and Japan, unemployment rates continue to fall from highs seen in 2009.”

Employment in September rose in all economies compared except Canada and Italy. In Italy, the 0.4 percent decline in employment was the largest drop since January 2013. Italy continues to have the lowest employment index (96.8), while Australia has the highest (111.8). Canada was unchanged, and remains at 107.2. The U.S. increased 0.1 percent to 98.8, a five-year high.

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