Markets reacted negatively to today’s economic data — and the labor market was at the center of the concern.

In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman breaks down the latest U.S. labor market data, including the JOLTS report, Challenger job cuts, and weekly jobless claims, and explains why markets didn’t like what they saw.

Job openings fell to 6.5 million, the lowest level since September 2020, while the number of unemployed Americans climbed to 7.5 million. For the first time since the post-pandemic recovery began, there are now more unemployed workers than available job openings — a key signal that labor market tightness has fully reversed.

Megan also discusses why the quits rate holding at 2% may help ease wage pressures, even as broader labor conditions soften. Meanwhile, the Challenger Gray & Christmas report showed January layoffs surged 118% year-over-year, marking the worst January for job cuts since 2009. Although a large portion of layoffs came from a handful of major companies, hiring intentions fell to their lowest level on record.

Weekly jobless claims also jumped to an eight-week high, adding to investor unease — though severe weather disruptions may have played a role.

📉 With weakening labor data, rising layoffs, and declining risk assets like Bitcoin and precious metals, Megan explains what this shift in employment trends could mean for markets, wages, inflation, and the upcoming jobs report.

🎧 Subscribe to Markets with Megan for daily insights on economic data, Federal Reserve policy, and market implications.

🔔 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update.

🌐 Full podcast archive:
https://marketswithmegan.fm

#MarketsWithMegan #LaborMarket #JobsReport #JOLTS #JoblessClaims #Layoffs #EconomicData #RecessionWatch #FedPolicy #MarketVolatility #Inflation #Investing #stockmarket 

https://youtu.be/pGbDBibSG1s

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...