Job opening in January edged down 0.3% when compared to December 2023, and hiring and separations also fell, according to seasonally adjusted data released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Associated Press reported the job openings number was in line with expectations and, while down, remain elevated, suggesting the US labor market remains strong.

There were 8.9 million job openings in January, down from a high of 12.2 million in March 2022.

Total separations fell 1.4% month over month. Quits, which are voluntary separations, fell 1.6%. Quits can serve as a measure of workers’ willingness or ability to leave jobs. Meanwhile, layoffs and discharges, which are involuntary separations, fell 2.2%.

Other separations rose 2.9%.

The January numbers incorporate annual updates to seasonal adjustment factors.

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