Weekly Economic Update for New Hampshire

Last updated: 11 July, 2026

Update summary

• Job openings and hires in New Hampshire declined in December 2025, indicating some cooling in labor demand.
• National GDP growth was revised upward for Q1 2026, reflecting moderate economic expansion that may influence New Hampshire’s business environment.
• Producer prices showed notable increases in May 2026, signaling rising input costs that could affect local business expenses.

New Hampshire’s economic landscape shows mixed signals as the latest official data reveal some softness in the state’s labor market alongside broader national trends of moderate growth and inflationary pressures. Businesses, employers, and investors in New Hampshire should consider these developments carefully to navigate the near-term economic environment.

What changed in the latest data?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ State Job Openings and Labor Turnover report released in February 2026, New Hampshire experienced a decrease in job openings rate by 1.4 percentage points in December 2025. The number of hires also declined by approximately 9,000 during the same period, signaling a reduction in labor demand. These changes contrast with the national trend where job openings and hires were largely unchanged.

The State Employment and Unemployment report from June 2026 does not provide a direct New Hampshire unemployment rate change for the most recent months, so labor market stability or shifts in unemployment cannot be confirmed from the available data.

Nationally, the Bureau of Economic Analysis revised upward the real gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the first quarter of 2026 to an annualized rate of 1.7 percent, indicating moderate economic expansion. Corporate profits also increased significantly in this period, which may have positive implications for business investment and hiring in the broader economy.

Producer Price Index data from June 2026 show a 0.8 percent increase in prices for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services in May 2026, the largest monthly advance since March 2022. This suggests rising input costs that could translate into higher expenses for New Hampshire businesses, especially those sensitive to intermediate demand price changes.

What this means for New Hampshire

The decline in job openings and hires in New Hampshire points to a potential cooling in the state’s labor market, which may reflect cautious employer behavior amid uncertain economic conditions. While the national economy shows moderate growth, the local labor market softness could signal challenges for businesses seeking to expand or fill positions.

Rising producer prices nationally indicate increasing cost pressures on businesses, which could affect pricing strategies and profit margins for New Hampshire companies. Monitoring these cost trends is important for managing input expenses and maintaining competitiveness.

State labor market conditions

Direct data for New Hampshire show a decrease in job openings and hires as of December 2025, suggesting a slowdown in labor demand. However, the latest unemployment and labor force data specific to New Hampshire are not available in the current releases, limiting a full assessment of labor market tightness or slack.

Demand, income, and household pressure

While personal income and outlays data are available at the national level, no direct New Hampshire-specific income or consumer demand data were provided. Nationally, personal consumption expenditures increased modestly in May 2026, with inflation pressures persisting, which may influence household spending behavior in New Hampshire indirectly.

Business costs and pricing pressure

Producer prices increased notably in May 2026, with a 0.8 percent rise in core final demand prices, the largest since early 2022. This suggests that New Hampshire businesses could face higher input costs, particularly in energy and intermediate goods, which may pressure margins or lead to price adjustments.

Credit, housing, and cash-flow conditions

The available data do not provide direct signals on credit conditions, housing market dynamics, or cash-flow status for New Hampshire. These remain areas to monitor as economic conditions evolve.

Risks to watch over the next 30 to 90 days

• Continued softness in New Hampshire’s labor market could constrain economic growth and consumer spending.
• Rising input costs may squeeze business profitability if not offset by higher prices or productivity gains.
• National inflation trends and monetary policy responses could impact credit availability and financing costs for local businesses.

Practical takeaways for New Hampshire businesses

• Review hiring plans and labor cost strategies in light of recent declines in job openings and hires.
• Monitor input cost trends closely and consider pricing strategies to manage margin pressures.
• Stay informed on national economic developments that may affect local demand and financing conditions.

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References

1. State Job Openings and Labor Turnover (US Bureau of Labor Statistics | 5 February, 2026)

2. State Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) (US Bureau of Labor Statistics | 23 June, 2026)

3. Employment Situation (US Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2 July, 2026)

4. Gross Domestic Product (Bureau of Economic Analysis | 25 June, 2026)

5. Producer Price Index (US Bureau of Labor Statistics | 11 June, 2026)