LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Economists are closely monitoring the job market amid layoffs and the ongoing government shutdown.
Dr. Jeremy Horpedahl, an associate economics professor at the University of Central Arkansas, noted that while 2025 has remained stable despite uncertainties, 2026 presents concerns. He said right now, unemployment rates are a little higher than about a year or two ago. Right now, it’s about 4% for both men and women.
Horpedahl explained that the labor market is softening, making it more challenging for people to find jobs, partly due to the post-pandemic recovery phase. However, he highlighted that younger men are experiencing increased unemployment, speculating that artificial intelligence might be a factor…