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U.S. Job Openings Rose to 7.7 Million in January, Reflecting Labor Market Stability

Despite a strong start to the year, uncertainties tied to tariffs, federal workforce cuts, and immigration policies raise concerns about future job market trends.

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an increase in U.S. job openings to 7.74 million in January, up from 7.51 million in December, exceeding economists' expectations.
  • Layoffs decreased to 1.635 million, while the number of workers quitting their jobs rose to 3.27 million, signaling higher worker confidence in finding new opportunities.
  • Key sectors driving job opening growth included retail, finance, and manufacturing, while professional and business services saw declines.
  • Economists highlight the January data as a snapshot of labor market strength before potential impacts from President Trump's tariff policies, federal workforce reductions, and immigration crackdowns take hold.
  • Federal Reserve officials are monitoring the labor market closely as they prepare for upcoming decisions on interest rates, with January's data reflecting a stable but cautious economic environment.
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