US Job Openings Fall to the Lowest Level in Over a Year

US job openings declined sharply in November, reaching their lowest level in more than a year, signaling a continued slowdown in the labor market and growing caution among employers.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that US job openings fell to about 7.15 million, down from 7.45 million in the previous month, coming in below all economists’ forecasts.

The decline reflected fewer opportunities in leisure and hospitality, health care and social assistance, as well as transportation and warehousing, while hiring slipped to its lowest pace since mid-2024.

At the same time, layoffs eased, with the JOLTS report indicating that job cuts dropped to a six-month low, while voluntary quits increased in accommodation, food services, and construction.

Analysts say the persistent decline in US job openings underscores a gradual cooling of the labor market, even as companies largely refrain from large-scale layoffs.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates three times at the end of 2025 to support growth, and is widely expected to keep rates unchanged at its next meeting while monitoring new employment data.