Jobs and job growth in the U.S. beat expectations, as the unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in December. Meanwhile, these companies are announcing layoffs for 2025.

Microsoft ( MSFT, Financial) is set for another round of layoffs, and sources say these will include underperformers in performance-based cuts. Business Insider reports that security will be impacted,

Microsoft is reportedly planning to initiate performance-based job cuts across multiple departments. The news was first reported in Business Insider and later corroborated by CNBC. According to CNBC,

In the options pits, Microsoft stock has been popular with call traders. This is per its 50-day call/put volume ratio of 2.10 over at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE),