How Abacus Group sees the job market: opportunities in slower growth, layoffs, and market pause

Layoffs surged in October, with over 153,000 job cuts. Triple last year’s total. As AI disruption and cost-cutting reshape industries, job security and “quality work” are top of mind for consumers. With 70% of the U.S. economy driven by spending, one thing’s clear: it’s all about jobs. https://lnkd.in/eRjhHjvC #MarketInsights #EmploymentTrends #Economy #BehavioralFinance

Propelled by cost cutting and the growing adoption of artificial intelligence, employers slashed more than 150,000 jobs in October, the largest wave of layoffs in more than 20 years, a report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas said Thursday, Nov. 6. https://lnkd.in/gXbTRKPy

Layoffs surged in October, with 153,074 job cuts announced — the highest for the month in 22 years, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. This marks a 183% jump from September and reflects the worst year for layoffs since 2009. The tech sector led the cuts, driven by restructuring amid AI adoption, with nearly 33,300 layoffs — six times September’s figure. Consumer products and nonprofits also saw significant increases. Overall, companies have announced 1.1 million cuts in 2025, up 65% year-on-year. Despite some signs of job growth from ADP, the labor market is showing signs of strain. The Federal Reserve has responded with two rate cuts since September and may lower rates again in December to cushion the impact. Source: CNBC #Layoffs2025 #LaborMarket #TechSector #AIImpact #FederalReserve #JobCuts #ChallengerReport #CNBC #EmploymentTrends #WorkforceRestructuring

"Layoffs across the U.S. soared last month to more than 153,000, marking the worst October for job reductions in 22 years, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Employers have announced early 1.1 million job cuts this year, the most through October since 2020, when pandemic shutdowns sent unemployment soaring. The labor market has shifted from a "no hire, no fire" environment — when employees enjoyed job security despite slower hiring — to one where companies are cutting costs and reducing staff as they lean on AI to replace human workers." https://lnkd.in/e7wqn4DJ

Layoffs rise to recession-like levels through October, new report says Employers have announced 1.1 million job cuts so far this year, the highest reading since the pandemic, private firm reports. By Abha Bhattarai https://wapo.st/43LHXnU

Last month, we witnessed a staggering 806,000 job cuts, the highest for any October in over two decades. The federal government led the way with 292,000 layoffs. This trend is largely influenced by the rise of automation and AI, which are reshaping the workforce landscape. As companies navigate economic pressures like inflation and rising operating costs, the labor market is facing significant challenges, with job openings declining while layoffs are on the rise. What does the future of our workforce look like? Thoughts? https://lnkd.in/eA3MM_5j

Employers announced more than 153,000 layoffs last month – a 183% surge from September and the worst October for job cuts since 2003, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. "Some industries are correcting after the hiring boom of the pandemic, but this comes as AI adoption, softening consumer and corporate spending, and rising costs drive belt-tightening and hiring freezes," Challenger said. Meanwhile, data from ADP showed modest gains, a sign the labor market isn’t completely tanking.

When the average tenure of young employees is just 2–3 years, I wonder how they are now longing for stability. I observe that companies are systematically less willing to carry fixed headcount, especially when rewarded employees often don’t stay. The gig economy isn’t a trend, it’s shaping the future of work. Chasing a “stable job” is increasingly a recipe for stress. Build skills, gain experience, and cultivate a network that keeps opportunities coming. I do believe that’s the real security today.

US Layoffs are running at CRISIS pace: US companies announced 153,074 job cuts in October, nearly TRIPLING from 2024. It was the WORST October in 22 years. Year-to-date, layoffs have reached 1,099,500, up +65% YoY, nearing GREAT FINANCIAL CRISIS levels. This is a labor market crisis.

US layoffs reported in October were the highest the month has seen in over two decades. The data hints that companies are not just cutting costs, they are resetting for an AI-first future.