According to the latest Challenger, Gray & Christmas report, U.S. job cut announcements hit 108,435 in January, the highest for that month since 2009. This is a massive 118% jump year-over-year and up 205% from December. Because these are planned cuts, the report serves as a warning for the months ahead. It adds pressure on the Fed to pivot toward rate cuts to fulfill its mandate of maximum employment, as lower borrowing costs typically help companies expand rather than downsize.(Lark Davis)