Multiple new reports 2point to more 3layoffs and fewer openings.

"The data actually 4aligns with what we hear 5anecdotally, and that is that job seekers are finding it more difficult. Longer search times are a fact for many who are looking for work."

A report released Thursday by the 6outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas said January layoff announcements were the highest to start a year since 2009, pushed higher by tens of thousands of cuts by UPS and Amazon.

Challenger also noted the lowest January hiring numbers since they started tracking in 2009.

Payroll firm ADP estimated 7private-sector companies added just 22,000 jobs in January, with growth 8driven entirely by the education and health services industry.

Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst for Bankrate, says such narrowly 9concentrated hiring growth isn't the 10hallmark of a 11robusteconomy, despite top-line numbers.

"The national data is 12in aggregate, meaning we're sort of 13lumping everybody in together in the same pile of numbers and the reality is that your results may vary."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data Thursday showing the estimated number of job openings at the end of December 14sank to the lowest level since September 2020 during the pandemic. The data adding up to more confirmation that the low-hire, low-fire labor market has carried into 2026.