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Highlights
Challenger's count of U.S. layoff intentions fell sharply in August, to 70,571 vs. 102,971 in July and, the more meaningful comparison since the data are not adjusted, vs. 74,150 in August last year. The results echo this morning's jobs report, which showed steady strength.
Still there was bad news. Layoffs in transportation were heavy amid airline troubles and cuts in municipal transit budgets. Bankruptcy was the leading cause of layoffs followed by closings.
The report noted that rebuilding will boost hiring in areas hit by Hurricane Katrina, which have been suffering high unemployment rates.
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