US Job Openings Rise Slightly After Surging In September; Fewer Workers Quitting Their Jobs

Summary:

Job openings increase 12,000 to 7.670 million in October.Hiring decreases 218,000 to 5.149 million.Quits decline by the most in nearly 2-1/2 years.

U.S. job openings increased marginally in October after surging in September, but subdued hiring and the lowest level of resignations in five years underscored the economic uncertainty that economists have largely blamed on tariffs.

The Labor Department's monthly Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, or JOLTS report, was released on Tuesday as Federal Reserve officials started a two-day policy meeting. Financial markets expect the U.S. central bank will cut its benchmark overnight interest rate by another 25 basis points to the 3.50%-3.75% range on Wednesday out of concern for the labor market. The Fed has lowered borrowing costs twice this year.

"The job market isn't collapsing but it is certainly losing steam," said Oren Klachkin, financial markets economist at Nationwide. "We anticipate Fed officials will try to get ahead of labor market weakness with another 25 basis points rate cut tomorrow even as inflation remains above the 2% goal."

Job openings, a measure of labor demand, were up 12,000 to 7.670 million by the last day of October, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 7.150 million unfilled jobs. The report incorporated data for September, whose release was canceled because of the 43-day federal government shutdown.

Vacancies soared 431,000, the most in nearly a year, to 7.658 million in September. The BLS said it had "temporarily suspended use of the monthly alignment methodology for October preliminary estimates," adding that "use of this methodology will resume with the publication of October final estimates."

The bulk of the job openings in October were in the trade, transportation and utilities sector, with 239,000 vacancies, mostly at retailers. There were 114,000 fewer open positions in the professional and business services industry. Job openings in the accommodation and food services sector fell 33,000. The federal government had 25,000 fewer vacancies.

The job vacancies rate was unchanged at 4.6%. Hiring dropped by 218,000 to 5.149 million in October, with most of the declines in construction, professional and business services, healthcare and social assistance as well as accommodation and food services industries. The hires rate slipped to 3.2% from 3.4% in September. There were 5.367 million hires in September.

Layoffs crept up 73,000 to a still-low 1.854 million, concentrated in the accommodation and food services sector. The layoffs rate rose to 1.2% from 1.1% in September.

Stocks on Wall Street were mixed. The dollar gained versus a basket of currencies. U.S. Treasury yields were mostly higher.

JOLTS hires and jobs confidence

"NO HIRE, NO FIRE" LABOR MARKET

The combined September and October reports suggested the labor market remained in what economists and policymakers call a "no-hire, no-fire" state.

Labor market stagnation has been blamed on reduced labor supply amid a reduction in immigration that started during the final year of former President Joe Biden's term and accelerated under President Donald Trump's second administration. The adoption of artificial intelligence for some job roles is also reducing labor demand, especially for entry-level positions.

The unemployment rate rose to a four-year high of 4.4% in September. The BLS canceled October's employment report and will not be publishing the unemployment rate for that month as the longest shutdown on record prevented the collection of data for the household survey from which the jobless rate is calculated.

November's delayed employment report, now due next Tuesday, will include October's nonfarm payrolls data.

With the labor market wobbly, fewer workers are job hopping in search of greener pastures, pointing to benign wage inflation. The number of people quitting their jobs dropped 187,000, the largest decline since June 2023, to 2.941 million. That was the lowest level since August 2020 when the labor market was recovering from the first wave of the pandemic.

The quits rate, viewed by policymakers as a gauge of labor market confidence, slipped to 1.8%. That was the lowest reading since May 2020, and was down from 2.0% in September. Lower wages because fewer workers are changing jobs could, however, hurt consumer spending.

"This (quits rate) is a pretty 'cold' reading that has historically been consistent with wage growth of just 2.5% year-on-year," said James Knightley, chief international economist at ING. "That's not good news for consumption, but given in a service-sector economy, such as the U.S., the biggest cost input is the cost of your workforce, this suggests medium- to longer-term inflation will be on a downward trajectory."

Source: Reuters

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Justin

Central Bank

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said Tuesday there is "plenty of room" to cut interest rates further, though he noted that rising inflation could alter this outlook.

Speaking at the WSJ CEO Council, Hassett, who is widely considered a front-runner to become the next Federal Reserve chair, compared the current economic environment to the 1990s, describing it as a "potentially extremely transformative time."

When asked how he would respond if President Donald Trump requested interest rate cuts that he personally disagreed with, Hassett provided a specific example of when rate cuts would be inappropriate. "If inflation has gone from 2.5% to 4%, you can't cut rates then," he said, according to a tweet from Wall Street Journal Fed reporter Nick Timiraos.

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Gerik

Economic

Commodity

Precious Metals Rally as Interest Rate Path Becomes Central Focus

Gold prices rose modestly on Tuesday, while silver surged to a record high of $59.751 per ounce, marking a major psychological and technical milestone. The movement in both metals comes ahead of a widely expected 25-basis-point rate cut by the Federal Reserve and amid growing debate over the likely pace of easing throughout 2026. Market participants are closely watching the Fed’s forward guidance, as uncertainty over the longevity of the rate-cut cycle begins to reshape positioning in the commodities market.

The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield, which had previously climbed to its highest since September, has since declined, adding downward pressure on real interest rates. This has historically provided support for non-yielding assets like gold, which becomes more attractive when the opportunity cost of holding it falls.

Fed Outlook and Cautious Optimism Behind Gold’s Strength

Despite the near certainty of a cut this week, optimism about further cuts in 2026 has faded. Money markets are now pricing in fewer than two cuts next year, down from more aggressive projections seen just weeks ago. Analysts at BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, warned that any signals of a slowdown in rate reductions could send gold “below $4,000 an ounce,” particularly if the easing cycle that began in 2024 begins to lose momentum.

Still, gold remains one of the top-performing assets of 2025, rising approximately 60% year-to-date. This surge has been fueled not only by lower interest rates but also by sustained central bank buying and large inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds. According to Pacific Investment Management Co., global central banks have favored gold over U.S. Treasuries in recent quarters, a trend that reflects broader concerns about dollar risk and sovereign debt sustainability.

The combination of inflation hedging, geopolitical risks, and diversified reserve strategies has reinforced this trend, suggesting a causal relationship between central bank allocation strategies and upward pressure on gold prices.

Silver Outpaces Gold with Record-Breaking Momentum

Silver’s dramatic rally, culminating in an intraday high of $59.751, points to growing investor appetite for alternative metals with both industrial and monetary value. The white metal rose 2.6% to $59.66 by mid-morning in New York, having recovered from early losses. Trevor Yates, senior investment analyst at Global X ETFs, noted that silver was “getting a bid this morning alongside gold ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting,” with markets fully pricing in a rate cut.

While silver tends to be more volatile than gold, its dual demand as both a monetary hedge and industrial input especially in electronics and renewable energy positions it well during periods of speculative enthusiasm and macroeconomic uncertainty. The surge appears closely correlated with gold’s performance and investor rotation toward hard assets amid lower yields.

Volatility and Diverging Forecasts for 2026

Although the price of gold has backed off from its late October peak of over $4,380/oz, it continues to find support in dovish policy expectations. However, this support is fragile. Should the Fed signal a potential pause or re-evaluation of its easing policy in 2026 perhaps due to resurging inflation or stronger-than-expected labor data downside risks could materialize quickly.

Goldman Sachs remains bullish, projecting nearly 20% upside in gold by the end of 2026, a view that contrasts with BMI’s more cautious tone. These diverging forecasts illustrate the degree of uncertainty around monetary policy, inflation control, and fiscal sustainability over the medium term.

Gold’s steady performance and silver’s breakout to record highs reflect investor sensitivity to interest rate expectations and macroeconomic signals. As the Fed prepares to cut rates this week, attention has shifted to 2026 and the sustainability of monetary easing. While gold has benefited from central bank accumulation and lower real yields, the long-term trajectory remains vulnerable to changes in inflation dynamics and Fed policy clarity. Silver’s rise further underscores a broad pivot to hard assets as financial markets navigate shifting policy signals and global economic fragility.

Source: Bloomberg

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Economic

Rate Cuts on the Table, But Not at All Costs

At the Wall Street Journal CEO Council on December 9, Kevin Hassett stated that there remains “plenty of room” to cut interest rates, reinforcing a dovish stance amid expectations he may soon lead the Federal Reserve. However, his comments were nuanced. He emphasized that the ability to lower borrowing costs hinges on inflation remaining controlled. Should inflation rise from its current 2.5% level to 4%, Hassett acknowledged that “you can't cut rates then,” drawing a clear boundary for policy flexibility.

His remarks illustrate a conditional logic: rate cuts are viable as long as inflationary pressures remain subdued. This demonstrates a causal relationship between inflation levels and the feasibility of monetary easing. Hassett’s position reflects an openness to stimulus but with a line drawn at inflation reacceleration.

A Transformative Economic Moment, Echoing the 1990s

Hassett also contextualized the current economy as “a potentially extremely transformative time,” likening it to the structural changes of the 1990s. This framing suggests that he sees the current environment as ripe for proactive monetary support to unlock innovation and growth, provided that inflation remains anchored.

Hassett’s comments offer insight into the potential future direction of the Federal Reserve under a Trump-led administration. While signaling strong support for rate cuts to stimulate the economy, he makes clear that such a move would be unacceptable in an overheating environment. His approach appears pragmatic, balancing pro-growth ambitions with inflation risk management, and it sets the tone for a more responsive, yet cautious, monetary strategy heading into 2026.

Source: Reuters

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Economic

Hassett Signals Support for Lower Rates as Inflation Outlook Remains Mixed

Kevin Hassett, the current White House economic adviser and presumed frontrunner for the Federal Reserve chairmanship under President Trump, stated there is “plenty of room” to cut interest rates, reinforcing expectations of a more accommodative monetary stance going into 2026. Speaking at the Wall Street Journal CEO Council on December 9, Hassett acknowledged that any rate cuts would depend on inflation trends. If inflation accelerates to around 4%, rate cuts would no longer be viable, he said, drawing a parallel to policy constraints of the 1990s.

This view reflects a conditional causal framework: while economic slack and moderate inflation support rate reductions, a spike in inflation would directly constrain such decisions. Hassett's remarks suggest a preference for preemptive easing, though with caution toward inflationary risks that could undermine credibility.

Trump’s Influence and the Path to Fed Leadership

Hassett’s public remarks come amid growing speculation that he is President Trump’s top pick to replace Jerome Powell when his term expires in May 2026. Trump has long expressed dissatisfaction with Powell's cautious pace of easing, especially during the latter half of his previous administration. This history of tension adds weight to current speculation that Trump seeks a more compliant or ideologically aligned figure to steer the Fed through the next phase of monetary normalization or stimulus.

Trump himself hinted on November 18 that he had already made his decision, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that an announcement could arrive before Christmas. The selection of Hassett who has publicly stated he would already be cutting rates would mark a clear policy pivot, especially as the Fed is grappling with internal divisions over the appropriate stance for 2026.

Crypto Connections and Market Implications

Hassett’s nomination also introduces a new dynamic to the Fed’s leadership profile: direct ties to the cryptocurrency industry. His financial disclosure from June reveals advisory work with Coinbase, including a minimum $1 million equity stake and over $50,000 in compensation for service on the company's Academic and Regulatory Advisory Council. That body also includes influential figures from financial regulation and intelligence, suggesting Hassett has been deeply engaged with crypto’s regulatory future.

While this association does not imply direct policy influence, it may signal a more tolerant or innovation-driven approach to digital assets if Hassett assumes leadership of the Fed. However, given the volatility and systemic concerns around crypto highlighted by recent collapses in MicroStrategy stock and broader skepticism from Fed officials any perceived friendliness to crypto markets could raise regulatory alarm or market instability.

Internal Fed Dynamics and Future Rate Path

The Federal Reserve began trimming rates in September and October 2025, each time by 25 basis points, after a prolonged period of stability. The decision to continue easing remains uncertain, with the December meeting seen as a pivotal juncture. Hassett's comments add to speculation that, under his leadership, the Fed could pursue more aggressive easing unless inflation returns forcefully.

Nonetheless, a deeper tension underpins the policy outlook. While Trump-aligned figures push for looser monetary policy to support growth and markets, rising inflation or external shocks could constrain the Fed’s maneuvering room. This suggests only a partially causal link between presidential preference and policy outcomes: while leadership influences direction, economic data ultimately imposes limits.

Kevin Hassett’s ascent as the leading candidate for the next Federal Reserve chair signals a significant shift in both tone and policy outlook. His support for additional rate cuts and his connections to the crypto sector reflect a break from the traditional caution that has characterized recent Fed leadership. If appointed, Hassett would likely prioritize pro-growth monetary measures, potentially reshaping how the Fed balances inflation control, financial stability, and innovation. However, this prospective shift must be interpreted in light of real-time economic indicators and institutional constraints, meaning the Fed’s future path remains subject to both political influence and economic necessity.

Source: Reuters

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James Whitman

Political

Economic

As Brazil's markets rallied, month after month, and global investors kept flooding in, the gains were big enough to overshadow the risks from a presidential election that's still almost a year away.

Then, in just a few hours, that suddenly changed.

The nation's assets have been dragged down by waves of selling since Flavio Bolsonaro — the son of the now-incarcerated former populist leader Jair Bolsonaro — emerged as a contender in next year's race. That dampened local investors' hopes that the right would coalesce around Tarcisio de Freitas, a governor seen in Brazil financial circles as the strongest challenger to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Friday saw the worst of the selloff. Bond yields jumped. Stocks tumbled as much as 4.5% in the deepest slide in over four years. And the real slumped over 3%, its biggest decline since US President Donald Trump's April tariffs unleashed havoc around the globe. While assets bounced slightly Monday amid mixed signals from Flavio Bolsonaro on whether he would carry out his bid, they were whipsawed by volatility Tuesday when the senator said his candidacy was "final."

The moves were a stark reminder of the political risks that have been largely ignored as investors stampeded back into developing countries around the world this year.

Brazil has been a major beneficiary, leaving its currency up more than 13% against the dollar even after its recent pullback. That was partially driven by carry traders, who borrow in countries where rates are low and invest in those offering higher yields and have seized on local interest rates pinned at 15% even as central banks in the US and Europe started nudging them lower.

"People were caught by surprise," said Jose Oswaldo Monforte, a portfolio manager at hedge fund Vinland Capital.

"To think that everything would move linearly toward an optimal solution a year in advance seems a bit naive to me," he said. "I can only navigate this well by managing risk and having a safety margin. What I can say is there will be volatility and we need to be prepared."

The shift marks the latest example of politics imperiling what have been strong rallies across Latin America. Earlier this year, Ecuador's bonds sold off when it looked like the socialist challenger posed a significant threat to President Daniel Noboa, who went on to reelection. And Argentina's markets tumbled when President Javier Milei was delivered a setback in a local vote, only to rebound strongly when he defied expectations by prevailing in October's Congressional elections.

In Brazil's case, the broader push into emerging markets was strong enough to shunt aside the worries about rising public debt and deficits under Lula.

While the October 2026 race is still taking shape, in financial circles the attention had largely focused on a potential presidential bid by Freitas, the Sao Paulo governor. He served as infrastructure minister in Bolsonaro's administration, a role that boosted his profile with local and foreign businesses, and as governor oversaw the privatization of the state's water-utility while also taking steps to scale back public spending.

His name had continued to resurface in political and market discussions. At a September event, Luis Stuhlberger, CEO and CIO of Verde Asset Management, said Freitas "has been very vocal" about reducing costs. Stuhlberger warned of an "extremely negative" scenario for Brazilian assets if Lula wins re-election next year.

Eduardo Cohn, a portfolio manager at Heritage Capital Partners, said many local hedge funds had been piling into stocks and betting on lower interest rates — positions he said would gain from a Freitas victory. In recent monthly notes, several Brazilian hedge funds said they were doubling down on bullish bets in local assets.

"Funds were very heavily positioned in this trade, and the tendency now is to protect their performance in this final stretch of the year," Cohn said.

That primed markets for a sharp jolt from a surprising political turn that — for now at least — seems to have derailed the prospect of Freitas' candidacy. Flavio Bolsonaro's announcement suggested the election will be a rematch between Lula and the Bolsonaro family, or a race with a swath of right-wing names instead of a united bid. Both scenarios could potentially bolster Lula's re-election chances.

Freitas, who never confirmed he would leave his post as Sao Paulo governor to vie for the nation's top job, announced late Monday that he supports Flavio Bolsonaro's bid. On Tuesday, Bolsonaro's eldest son reiterated he is committed to the race and said he would only step aside if his father was freed from prison — where he's serving a sentence for seeking to overturn the last election — and was allowed to run for office again.

The shakeup continued to drag on markets Tuesday as traders reassessed the country's outlook. Brazil's real fell as much as 1.1% and interest-rate contracts pushed upward, indicating that traders are anticipating they will remain elevated.

"Markets are still with the idea that a fractured right will boost Lula's odds," said Daniel Balaban, a foreign-exchange broker at XP Inc. in New York. "The reaction today is aligned with that narrative."

Source: Bloomberg

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Gerik

Economic

A Critical Step Toward European Financing for Ukraine

European officials are on the verge of finalizing a landmark agreement to use frozen Russian sovereign assets in support of Ukraine’s war-torn economy. Following high-level discussions in London between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and leaders from France and Germany, sources indicate that a deal could be sealed before Christmas. The initiative aims to underwrite a €90 billion ($105 billion) loan for Ukraine’s reconstruction, using proceeds derived from immobilized Russian funds, mostly held in Belgium.

The European Union estimates Ukraine will need €135 billion over the next two years just to sustain basic services and military functions. The urgency of securing these resources has intensified as the U.S., under President Trump, has largely withdrawn direct aid to Kyiv. Consequently, Europe now finds itself at the forefront of Ukraine’s economic support, even as U.S. diplomatic efforts dominate the search for a political settlement.

Legal and Political Challenges Within the EU

Despite growing optimism, internal EU resistance continues to complicate the asset plan. Belgium, where a large share of the frozen Russian central bank assets is located, remains cautious, concerned about legal precedent and financial stability risks. A final decision is expected at the December 18 summit in Brussels. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen expressed confidence in the legal soundness of the proposal, stressing its moral imperative and its strategic alignment with European values.

This phase of negotiation suggests a correlation between growing European fiscal responsibility for Ukraine and the reduced involvement of the U.S., though causality remains complex. While Trump's administration has withdrawn funding, it has simultaneously exerted strong diplomatic pressure for Kyiv to accept a revised peace framework arguably accelerating Europe’s search for independent solutions.

U.S.-Led Peace Proposal Faces European Concerns

The asset deal discussions unfolded against the backdrop of widening transatlantic disagreements on the shape of a potential peace settlement. Washington's revised 20-point peace framework which reportedly softens several earlier pro-Russia terms still falls short of European expectations. Zelenskiy has pushed back on U.S. pressure, rejecting terms such as barring NATO membership and limiting Ukraine’s military. European leaders share Ukraine’s skepticism, wary that too many concessions could legitimize territorial aggression and embolden Russia.

Although Trump stated that Moscow finds the latest peace framework “fine,” Zelenskiy emphasized that critical issues such as Donbas remain unresolved, with no common stance yet between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine. The U.S. proposal to designate parts of Donetsk as a demilitarized zone contrasts with Ukraine’s insistence on maintaining current front lines and refusing to cede any territory highlighting deep fractures in negotiating strategies.

Transatlantic Disconnect and European Diplomacy Pushback

European leaders are growing increasingly concerned about being sidelined in U.S.-led negotiations. The exclusion has triggered a flurry of diplomatic missions to Washington aimed at reinforcing unity on Ukraine policy. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper’s meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and her planned address to European diplomats underscores this initiative to reassert Europe’s voice. Furthermore, high-level calls among leaders from NATO, the EU, and partner states following the London meeting indicate broader coordination efforts to align policy.

Trump’s deployment of envoys like Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Moscow and Geneva adds to the complexity, reflecting a backchannel-heavy approach that diverges from traditional multilateral diplomacy. While these efforts seek to expedite a peace agreement, they also risk undermining broader European strategic coherence.

Security Guarantees and the Path to Peace

Zelenskiy continues to demand legally binding security guarantees from the U.S., explicitly requiring congressional approval. He has expressed readiness to travel to Washington to finalize discussions, signaling the urgency and stakes involved. Meanwhile, Kyiv’s focus remains on reaching a consolidated position with European allies before taking further steps with the U.S. and Russia.

The situation around Donbas exemplifies the difficulty of reconciling peace with justice. The Kremlin’s demand that Ukraine formally cede control of territory its forces failed to capture by force clashes with international norms. Zelenskiy’s rejection of this demand, and the insistence on a ceasefire based on current positions, reflect both strategic calculation and domestic political necessity.

Europe’s pursuit of a legally viable path to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction through frozen Russian assets marks a pivotal shift in the continent’s role in the war. It reveals a growing divergence from the U.S. not just in financial support, but also in geopolitical strategy. While both powers remain committed to ending the conflict, their approaches to peace, security, and reconstruction differ significantly. The cause-and-effect relationship between reduced U.S. aid and Europe’s intensified efforts is becoming increasingly evident, underscoring Europe’s evolving responsibility as both a financier and diplomatic counterweight in shaping Ukraine’s future. The coming weeks may define whether Europe can truly lead or whether it remains reactive to Washington’s shifting stance.