US Challenger Job cuts (Dec): 35.55k (prev. 71.3k)

• “The year closed with the fewest announced layoff plans all year. While December is typically slow, this coupled with higher hiring plans, is a positive sign after a year of high job cutting plans,”

The Challenger Job Cuts data for December shows a significant drop in planned layoffs, falling to 35.55k from 71.3k previously. This sharp decline suggests a potential cooling in job cuts, supported by higher hiring plans, indicating a more stable labor market as we close out the year. The implications for policy may lean towards a positive growth outlook, which could influence sentiment around interest rates and economic stability moving forward.