Lana

That headline unemployment figure isn't just down to job cuts.

It's been pushed up by more job seekers entering the labor market after taking time out of work.

And while that might be rough in a job search, it can be good for the economy overall.

See, when there are more applicants for each role, firms can get away with keeping salaries lower.

That helps to slow wage growth, and that could help tamp down inflation without any more central bank intervention, which might mean just lower interest rates for you.

Brits brought retail spending down to its lowest level in seven months in December, buying the essentials but cutting back on big-ticket items like electronics and furniture.

No surprise, that kind of caution usually shows up when households feel unsure about their job security and future income.

That's it for today.

I'm Lana.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Hey, I'm Lana with your Daily Brief for Tuesday, January 20th.

Coming up, the U.S.

president threatened eight European nations with tariffs in a push to take over Greenland.

And China hit its 5% economic growth target.

But the country's broader scorecard was far from a bullseye.

We'll also check in with Carl to get his answers to your burning questions.

More on the way, but first, a word from Guy at Finimize HQ.

In case you missed it, the president has renewed his effort to take control of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory that's part of NATO.

But Greenland's prime minister has made it clear that the territory doesn't want to be owned or governed by the states.

Over the weekend, the president threatened 10% tariffs on imports from Denmark, the UK, and six other countries that just sent troops to Greenland.