Overview
- JOLTS data show job openings fell by 303,000 to 7.146 million in November, with hires down to 5.115 million, layoffs at a six‑month low, and quits ticking higher.
- ADP reported private payrolls rose by 41,000 in December, a rebound from November’s revised 29,000 loss but below forecasts near 47,000–48,000.
- Hiring was concentrated in services, led by education and health and by leisure and hospitality, while professional and business services, information, and manufacturing shed jobs.
- Small and mid‑sized firms accounted for nearly all December gains, with large employers adding just 2,000 positions, ADP said.
- ADP estimates showed pay up 4.4% year over year for job stayers and 6.6% for job changers, as economists highlight policy uncertainty and AI adoption as drags on hiring.