M in December vs. 7.245M consensus and 6.928M in November (revised from 7.146M), according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Monday.

New data on jobs and layoffs this week highlights rising job cuts and lackluster hiring plans.

WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - U.S. job openings dropped to the lowest level in more than five years in December and data for the prior month was revised lower amid a softening in labor market conditions at the end of 2025.

Despite several quarters of strong GDP growth, job openings continued trending downward in December to an estimated 6. 5 million – the lowest number in five years and about 1 million less than a year ago.

Job openings hit 6.5 million in December

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on Thursday reported the fewest job openings on the market since 2020. December job openings reflected a downward trend at 6.5 million, marking a 966,000 decrease year over year,

US job openings hit a 5-year low at 6.5M in December, reflecting a sluggish labor market despite strong economic growth.

When NBC News’ Tom Llamas asked Donald Trump about the struggling economy this week, the president seemed eager to respond with a familiar claim. “OK, you ready?” he asked the anchor. “So we have, it was just announced,