job fair
The unemployment rate is at its highest level in nearly three years, but some economists say the US economy has a good chance of avoiding a near-term recession.
  • The unemployment rate has risen to 4.3%, the highest level in nearly three years.
  • But this doesn't mean the US is destined for mass unemployment and a recession.
  • Americans are working at the highest rate in decades, and layoff levels remain low.

The labor market is trending in the wrong direction, but it might not be time to sound the alarm just yet.