U.S. employers posted significantly fewer job openings in November, totaling 7.1 million, which is the lowest number since September 2024. Despite the drop in openings, layoffs also decreased, indicating companies are retaining their employees. These figures suggest a “low-hire, low-fire” job market even as economic growth remains solid, which raises the question of whether hiring will catch up. Key data from the job openings and labor turnover survey indicates a slower labor market with job gains expected to pick up.
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US jobless rate for Blacks and teens surges in November, and that’s a headline that really gets you thinking, doesn’t it? It’s like a signal flashing a warning: things might not be as rosy as they seem, particularly for those on the margins. When you see unemployment climbing for these two groups, it often feels like a harbinger of tougher times ahead, a kind of canary in the coal mine for the broader economy.
I’ve been hearing echoes of this in different corners, and it paints a pretty concerning picture. AI is changing the job landscape, and it seems like entry to mid-level office jobs are already feeling the heat.… Continue reading
Job cuts in the U.S. have reached a five-year high, with over a million Americans losing their jobs this year, the highest since 2020. November saw 71,321 job cuts, a 24% increase from the previous year, marking the highest for the month since 2022. Experts attribute these cuts to factors such as slowing consumer spending, the implementation of AI and automation, and companies correcting over-hiring practices following the pandemic. As financial uncertainty grows, the importance of financial preparedness and adaptability in the workforce is emphasized.
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October saw U.S. job openings remaining relatively stagnant at 7.7 million, while layoffs surged to nearly 1.9 million, the highest since January 2023, according to the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The number of people quitting their jobs also decreased, suggesting businesses might resort to layoffs to control labor costs. These figures reflect a cooling job market influenced by factors such as high interest rates and trade policies. Due to the government shutdown, the October report was delayed, and the unemployment rate for October will be released alongside the November jobs report, with forecasts predicting a rise in the unemployment rate.
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Americans With Four-Year Degrees Now Comprise a Record 25% of Unemployed Workers is a stark statistic that really makes you stop and think, doesn’t it? It’s a headline that grabs your attention, immediately raising questions about the current state of the job market and the value of higher education. So, let’s unpack this and try to make some sense of it all.
The initial gut reaction is a mix of concern and bewilderment. If a quarter of unemployed workers hold a bachelor’s degree, what’s going on? It’s easy to assume that a four-year degree is the golden ticket to a stable career, but this data throws a wrench in that expectation.… Continue reading
In October, the Canadian economy added a surprising 67,000 jobs, causing the unemployment rate to fall to 6.9%. While much of the job growth was in part-time positions, there were notable gains in wholesale and retail trade. Though the jobless rate decreased, it remained elevated and concentrated in specific sectors, signaling a labor market still recovering. Economists predict that the Bank of Canada will likely pause on rate cuts in December due to this data, and continued slow growth in employment overall.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood