US layoffs fall in September but year-to-date planned hiring at lowest in 16 years

U.S. employers announced fewer September layoffs, yet year-to-date hiring plans are the lowest since 2009, signaling a labor market standstill. This stagnation, exacerbated by a government shutdown suspending official data, stems from policy changes like federal workforce reductions and AI's impact on jobs, despite the Fed's rate cuts.