The number of U.S. job openings in December was little changed from November at 4.0 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job openings rate — a measure of job openings compared with total employment — edged down to 2.8 percent from 2.9 percent in November.

The number of hires fell 2.0 percent from November to about 4.4 million, and the number of separations rose 2.2 percent to approximately 4.4 million.

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