The number of US job openings was edged down slightly on the last day of December from the previous month, according to the latest numbers released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of hires also changed little in December.

Bloomberg reported job openings in the US unexpectedly declined in December to a seven-month low even as workers increasingly left positions voluntarily. The labor market remains at historically strong levels despite the drop in vacancies. A pickup in the quits rate that shows Americans are more confident in finding another job. The report also showed the fewest layoffs since April.

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