Marketplace A 20-year record for job cuts
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Nov 6, 2025 
Henry Ebb, a Marketplace reporter, dives into the surge of layoffs, revealing over 153,000 job cuts in October—the highest in 20 years. He discusses the factors driving this trend, including corporate cost-cutting strategies and the impact of AI on job markets. Ebb also explores the disconnect in unemployment data and its implications. Shifting gears, he examines China's manufacturing training efforts to meet workforce demands, juxtaposing it with the growing challenges faced by AI data centers in achieving sustainability.
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Deliberate Cost-Cutting, Not Panic Firings
- Companies are cutting jobs deliberately for cost efficiencies rather than panic-driven cuts seen in past recessions.
- Tech overhiring from the pandemic and AI adoption amplify targeted layoffs across experience levels.
AI Plus Macro Slowdown Explains Layoff Mix
- AI is a factor but not the sole driver of layoffs; macroeconomic slowdown also plays a large role.
- Private data show mixed signals: layoffs rose but unemployment claims and ADP hiring data don't yet signal broad job losses.
Portland Builder Slows Projects Amid Weak Demand
- Builder Justin Wood describes slower sales and price cuts on newly built townhomes in Portland amid high rates and weak consumer psyche.
- He delayed starting nine permitted projects until demand improves and government uncertainties clear.