US job openings fell to 6.88 million in February from a revised 7.24 million,
while hiring slowed sharply, signaling cooler labor demand before Iran war
uncertainty. The hiring rate hit its lowest since April 2020 and layoffs edged
up. Declines were led by services, healthcare and manufacturing. Firms remain
cautious after weak job growth, with cuts at Meta Platforms Inc. and Oracle
Corp., though overall layoffs remain subdued.