US job openings fall to lowest level since 2021

The number of job openings in the US unexpectedly fell in September, recording their lowest level since January 2021, while layoffs rose, in line with a slowing labor market.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics data revealed on Tuesday that the number of job openings fell to 7.44 million in September, from a revised down reading of 7.86 million in August, compared to expectations of 7.98 million jobs.

Hirings increased by 123,000 to 5.56 million during the month, while work quitting rose to nearly 5.2 million cases from 5.17 million in August.

Meanwhile, the number of resignations from work fell to nearly 3.1 million in September, from 3.2 million a month earlier. Layoffs rose by 165,000 to 1.8 million.