Roundup: US job openings / Mortgage rates / Gulf oil spill

February slide: U.S. job openings fell and hiring slowed to the weakest since 2020 in February, pointing to cooler labor demand before the war in Iran triggered additional uncertainty. Vacancies decreased to 6.88 million from an upwardly revised 7.24 million in January, which was the highest since May, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data out Tuesday. Read more from Bloomberg. A subscription may be required. 

Still climbing: Mortgage rates moved even higher last week, as the war with Iran continues to stoke fears of inflation. As a result, total mortgage application volume fell again, down 10.4% from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index. The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to 6.57% from 6.43%. Read the full story from CNBC. 

Off Veracruz state: Environmental groups accused Mexico’s government of lying about the origins of a massive oil spill in the Gulf, something authorities promptly denied. The spill off the coast of southern Veracruz state has spread more than 373 miles and into seven nature reserves, causing extensive environmental damage. Mexico’s government reported that 800 tons of hydrocarbon-laden waste have spilled into the ocean. Read more from the Associated Press.