Core Insights - The article discusses the paradox of rising layoff notifications in the U.S. job market while unemployment claims remain historically low, indicating a potential economic downturn ahead [2][7]. Group 1: Layoff Notifications - In October 2025, the number of WARN layoff notifications reached 39,006, signaling a potential wave of job losses in the upcoming months [4]. - This figure is comparable to historical peaks during major crises, such as the 2008 financial crisis and the early COVID-19 pandemic, despite the absence of large corporate bankruptcies or global lockdowns [4][6]. Group 2: Economic Indicators - Challenger Gray & Christmas reported that October 2025 saw the highest number of announced layoffs for that month in over 20 years, indicating a worsening trend in the labor market [6]. - The article highlights a fundamental shift in the labor market, moving from a labor shortage phase (2021-2023) to a phase of layoffs driven by factors such as rising interest rates and AI-induced job displacement [10]. Group 3: Future Projections - The unemployment rate is projected to exceed 5% by the end of Q1 2026, marking the onset of a mild recession, with the Federal Reserve likely to initiate interest rate cuts between March and May [11]. - The anticipated "white-collar recession" is expected to spread from the tech and finance sectors to broader service industries, with real estate prices potentially declining by 10%-15% [13].