Job openings decline sharply in December to 7.6 million, below forecast
1. Job openings fell to 7.6 million, below estimates. 2. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 256,000 in December. 3. Unemployment rate is forecasted to stay at 4.1%. 4. Layoffs decreased slightly to 1.77 million last month. 5. Major stock averages rose post-report indicating market confidence.