US job openings fall to 6.5M, fewest since 2020, as labor market remains sluggish

The U.S. Labor Department reported on February 5, 2026, that job openings in the United States fell to 6.5 million in December 2025, the lowest level since September 2020, indicating a sluggish labor market. This decline from 6.9 million openings in November 2025 was accompanied by a slight rise in layoffs, while the number of people quitting their jobs remained steady at 3.2 million. The data came in lower than economists' forecasts, adding to the puzzling economic landscape where strong GDP growth contrasts with weak job creation. The report highlights ongoing uncertainties about the future trajectory of the labor market and its relationship with overall economic growth. Economists are divided on whether hiring will accelerate to match GDP growth, or if growth will slow to reflect the sluggish job market, or if technological advancements like artificial intelligence and automation are reducing the need for significant job creation. The December figures underscore the complexity of the current economic environment, where traditional indicators are not providing clear signals about the direction of the labor market.