Decline in job openings since 2007
h/t Zero Hedge
The US trade deficit grew by 9.7% in November, largely on the recent run up in oil prices.
The National Federation of Independent Business’s small business optimism index fell for the 2nd straight month in December, indicating that the small business segment is still not ready to start hiring.
In central bank land, the yield on 30-year treasuries fell again, indicating an expectation that rates would remain low, while in China, the central bank raised the reserve requirement for banks by 50 basis points.
In energy, oil continues to fall on the promise of warmer weather.
In currency, the dollar rose, both on investor jitters, and on the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President being a complete moron and talking up rate hikes. (more on this later)