Published: 2025-02-04T15:10:27.000Z
U.S. December JOLTS report sees Job Openings correct lower
Senior Economist , North America
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December’s JOLTS report shows a steep 516k decline in job openings, which should be seen as corrective from two strong months with the 3-month average still positive.
The data does however add to downside risks to January’s non-farm payroll. The last month openings declined, in September, preceded a below trend October non-farm payroll.
Hirings rose by 89k while separations increased by 38k, moving hires further above separations as suggested by a strong December non-farm payroll. The separations rise was more than fully explained by a 67k increase in quits, which is a sign of confidence in the labor market.