U.S. job openings increased in January, but demand for labor is likely to soften in the months ahead amid concerns that uncertainty over import tariffs and aggressive government spending cuts could cause a sharp slowdown in economic activity.

American job openings increased in January, offering a brief sign of stability as the economy's direction remains questionable.

U.S. job openings rose at the start of the year, another sign the job market was solid when President Donald Trump returned to the White House

Vacancies increased to 7.740 million, up from December's downwardly revised 7.508 million. The January figure came in above the expected 7.650 million.

The latest snapshot of job openings in the US shows that there were 7.74 million available positions at the end of January, signaling renewed optimism from US employers to start the year.

US job openings rose in January while layoffs fell and quits picked up, indicating resilience in the labor market as the Trump administration took office.