Australia Job Ads Accelerate

Australia’s ANZ–Indeed Job Ads rose 2.5% month -over-month in August 2026, quickening from July’s upwardly revised 1.9% gain and marking a second straight expansion. It was also the fastest pace since February, underscoring resilient labour demand despite higher borrowing costs. Seasonal hiring ahead of Christmas lifted retail and food service roles, while tech-related ads eased modestly, with softer demand in software, data, and analytics. ANZ Senior Economist Jasmine Zheng cautioned that momentum may fade as elevated rates restrain demand, expecting job ads to trend lower and unemployment to rise only modestly given the series’ resilience. Year-on-year, ads climbed 7.8% and remained 21.4% above their decade average, highlighting strength even as cyclical headwinds build.

Australia’s ANZ–Indeed Job Ads increased 0.8% month-over-month in July 2026, reversing an upwardly revised 0.1% decline in the previous month and marking the fourth monthly rise so far this year. The resilience in job ads is consistent with the continued strength of the labour market, according to ANZ economist Aaron Luk. "Following the release of June quarter inflation data, we remain of the view that the RBA will keep rates on hold at 4.35%, he added. That said, the trajectory of the monthly trimmed mean does suggest there remains the risk of a rate hike in November. Indeed senior economist Callam Pickering noted gains were relatively broad-based in July, led by management and physician & surgeon opportunities. Those two occupations, along with nursing, have been the fastest-growing roles over the past year. Compared with a year earlier, job ads increased 2.1% and remained 16.2% above their decade average.

Australia’s ANZ–Indeed Job Ads eased 0.2% month-over-month in June 2026, reversing an upwardly revised 2.0% gain in May and marking the third monthly fall this year. The data indicated a gradual cooling in labour demand as higher borrowing costs weighed on hiring. ANZ Economist Aaron Luk highlighted that ads have fallen about 28% since late-2022 peaks but remain above pre-pandemic levels. He expects demand to soften further as elevated interest rates, a cooling housing market, and geopolitical uncertainty slow activity, leading to fewer ads and a gradual rise in unemployment. Sectoral weakness was most pronounced in retail, food preparation, and management, partly offset by stronger demand for nurses and real estate professionals. Indeed’s Callam Pickering noted logistics vacancies stabilised, though driver demand continued to weaken. Compared with a year earlier, job ads edged up 0.5% and remained 15% above their decade average, underscoring resilience despite cyclical headwinds.