U.S. job openings rose by 6.2% in July from the prior month and rose 30.1% year-over-year, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job openings rate -- a measure of job openings compared with total employment -- was 2.3% in July, up from 2.1% in June.

Separations fell by 0.8% in July from the prior month and were down 0.5% from July 2009. The separations rate was unchanged at 3.4%. Separations include involuntary losses of jobs as well as voluntary departures from jobs such as quits and retirements.