U.S. equity markets are trading mostly lower today following a mix of domestic and overseas economic data. The primary focus remains on the labor market, where jobless claims missed expectations and layoff announcements surged to their highest levels since 2020. In the currency markets, the Japanese Yen is strengthening due to rate differentials ahead of the upcoming BOJ meeting, while metals like gold and silver trend lower. Looking ahead, traders are bracing for a dual data story featuring U.S. PCE figures and Michigan Consumer Sentiment, alongside key earnings reports from Hewlett Packard Enterprises and Ulta Beauty.