US Job Openings Drop to 7.6 Million in December, Below Expectations

The decline signals a cooling labor market, but layoffs remain low, suggesting continued stability.

Job openings fell by 556,000 in December to 7.6 million, the lowest level since September, missing the forecast of 8 million.
The ratio of open jobs to available workers decreased to 1.1 to 1, reflecting reduced labor demand.
Layoffs declined slightly to 1.77 million, while hires increased to 5.46 million, indicating steady employment activity.
The Federal Reserve has paused interest rate adjustments, citing uncertainty over economic impacts of fiscal and trade policies.
Economists expect the January jobs report to show slower hiring growth, with unemployment remaining at 4.1%.