A stagnant labor market is tough going for job seekers. Firms are slow to post positions and slow to fill them. As job searches drag on, more people file for unemployment assistance. But on a macro level, an uptick in unemployment can have a silver lining: When inflation slows and jobless numbers increase, the Fed moves to lower interest rates. That injects more money into the economy and, in theory, prompts firms to hire more workers. On the other hand, strong job growth and low unemployment have a down ...