The US Monster Employment Index increased to 174 in April. It was a sharp increase from March and formed a trough by tracing the index values. Is the economy in the recovery yet?
Not really. It is really a seasonal phenomenon. As the index is not seasonally adjusted, it is hard to tell whether this is in fact a decrease and by how much. Monster said, "The Monster Employment Index added seven points in April, as online job availability in the U.S. continued to rise moderately for the third consecutive month. Despite the gradual upward trend during the past three months, the Index remains down six percent year-over-year......" "While the Monster Employment Index registered its strongest single month gain in over 12 months, the increase was largely seasonal in nature."
So far it is an interesting experience to watch this index. It demonstrated the characteristic of a leading indicator as a young indicator. Secondly, it shows April is a good time for job hunting as employers are more active. What else can this index show us? We will find out as the US economy unfolds in the next twelve months.
Not really. It is really a seasonal phenomenon. As the index is not seasonally adjusted, it is hard to tell whether this is in fact a decrease and by how much. Monster said, "The Monster Employment Index added seven points in April, as online job availability in the U.S. continued to rise moderately for the third consecutive month. Despite the gradual upward trend during the past three months, the Index remains down six percent year-over-year......" "While the Monster Employment Index registered its strongest single month gain in over 12 months, the increase was largely seasonal in nature."
So far it is an interesting experience to watch this index. It demonstrated the characteristic of a leading indicator as a young indicator. Secondly, it shows April is a good time for job hunting as employers are more active. What else can this index show us? We will find out as the US economy unfolds in the next twelve months.
