The number of job openings in the United States stood at 7.7 million in January, little changed from December, according to the report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics published on Tuesday. The job openings rate remained at 4.6%.

Hires were also steady at 5.4 million at a rate of 3.4%. The total separation figure was similar to December's at 5.3 million, with a rate of 3.3%. The quits number was 3.3 million at a rate of 2.1%, while layoffs and discharges numbered 1.6 million at a rate of 1%.