US job openings rose to a six-month high in November, boosted by a jump in business services, and layoffs were little changed, adding to evidence of a solid labor market.

U.S. job openings climbed unexpectedly to 8.1 million in November, the highest since February, defying forecasts of a slight decline, according to the Labor Department's latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS).

U.S. job openings rose unexpectedly in November, showing companies are still looking for workers even as the labor market has cooled overall. Openings rose to 8.1 million in November, the most since February and up from 7.

Key Takeaways Job openings unexpectedly rose in November, surprising economists who had expected them to stay flat.Despite the uptick, the job market remained relatively stagnant, with layoffs and hiring staying low and fewer employees willing to quit.

Job openings unexpectedly jumped, while the ISM services gauge showed accelerating activity. The S&P 500 is lower as the 10-year Treasury yield keeps climbing.