Planned Job Cuts Fall 20K

In another indication of labor market strength, Challenger's count of layoff announcements fell nearly 20,000 in November to 30,953 for the lowest reading since September last year. And this is more than 20,000 below the 2015 monthly average of over 52,000. Makers of industrial goods announced the most layoffs in November, nearly 7,500, followed by transportation at nearly 4,500. Energy, where layoffs have been very heavy this year, is third at more than 2,500.