US economy
US job openings drop to lowest since 2020, layoffs edge up
Available positions decrease to 6.54 million from a downwardly revised 6.93 million reading in November
US weekly jobless claims increase more than expected
Initial claims for state unemployment benefits jumped 22,000 to a seasonally adjusted 231,000 for the week ended January 31
UPS, Amazon fuel US planned layoffs in January, Challenger survey shows
Announced layoffs are 118% higher compared with January 2025
US services sector maintains fastest growth since 2024
Changes in trade policy by the Trump administration are also prompting some companies to adjust their supply chains
US private payrolls increase modestly in January
[WASHINGTON] US private payrolls increased less than expected in January, the ADP’s national employment report showed on Wednesday (Feb 4).
US builders push ‘Trump Homes’ to win backing for a million houses
The effort comes at a time when the cost of buying a home is historically high
Disappointment for some, relief for others as markets ponder Warsh’s nomination as next Fed chief
In some quarters, he is seen as a ‘credible choice’, who may hold his own against President Trump’s demand for rate cuts
US manufacturing activity expands by the most since 2022
Lean customer stockpiles have the potential of providing more of a tailwind for factory orders and production in the coming months
US government agencies shut down as Trump deal awaits House vote
This shutdown is more limited since some parts of the government already are fully funded through the Sep 30 end of the federal fiscal year
US shutdown fallout will be short-lived if bill passes Monday
Washington is on the cusp of a partial federal closure that could be among the shortest
