Microsoft(US:MSFT) Feng Huang Wang·2025-07-31 14:57Group 1 - In July, U.S. employers announced layoffs of 62,075, a 29% increase from June's 47,999 and a 140% increase compared to 25,855 in the same month last year [1][3][5] - The July layoffs represent the second highest for this month in the past decade, only surpassed by the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 [3] - Year-to-date, U.S. employers have announced 806,383 layoffs, a 75% increase from 460,530 in the same period last year, and already surpassing the total layoffs of 761,358 for the entire year of 2024 [5] Group 2 - Over the past month, layoffs attributed to artificial intelligence exceeded 10,000, with tariffs also being a significant factor [5] - Major tech companies, including Intel and Microsoft, have announced significant layoffs, with Microsoft planning to cut 9,000 employees despite strong performance [5] - Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the need to reimagine the company's mission in the AI era, urging remaining employees to learn new skills to remain relevant [5] Group 3 - In July, U.S. automotive manufacturers announced layoffs of 4,975, primarily due to tariffs, marking the highest monthly figure since November 2024 [6] - The retail sector has seen a dramatic increase in layoffs, with 80,487 announced in the first seven months of the year, a 249% increase from 23,077 in the same period last year [6] - Factors such as tariffs, inflation, and ongoing economic uncertainty are impacting retailers, leading to layoffs and store closures [6]