The number of available jobs in the US grew in August, signaling an undercurrent of strength in the labor market at a time when its vitals are being carefully monitored by the Federal Reserve.

The latest job openings and labor turnover summary (JOLTS) report showed that job openings increased slightly in August, reflecting more hiring.

Hiring, quitting, and layoffs all slowed down in August as the job market became increasingly stagnant for workers and employers alike. High interest rates have hurt the job market, and officials at the Federal Reserve are slashing borrowing costs to prevent unemployment from spiking.