Monster Index: Four-Year Slow Down

By: E&P Staff The Monster Employment Index (MEI), which accounts for job postings, had one of its smallest increases its four-year history, according to Goldman Sachs.

For the month of December, the MEI was up 1.2% compared to the same period a year ago. In November the MEI was up 4.6% and in October it increased 9.3%.

"The weakness in December is consistent with our view that the domestic employment market continues to weaken," wrote Goldman Sachs analyst Peter Appert in a note to investors.

"While the share shift from print to online in recruitment advertising helps mitigate the effect of a cyclical slowing on Monster's operating results, the current trends clearly exacerbate the near-term uncertainty surrounding the company's earnings outlook."

Goldman Sachs rated Monster "neutral."