Tech Layoffs Up or Down in February, 20​26?

Analysis

The market is heavily discounting a decrease in information sector layoffs for February 2026 from January's 58,000 baseline. However, recent data points to sustained pressure. Broad tech layoffs totaling 33,000-45,000 in early 2026, including major players, suggest ongoing job reductions. Crucially, Glassdoor's February 2026 Employee Confidence Index showed the steepest decline in tech worker sentiment among all industries, with fewer than half reporting a positive six-month outlook. This strong negative sentiment during the very month in question indicates a persistent challenging environment, making a significant reduction in layoffs below the 58,000 baseline less probable. The "information sector" FRED data is likely to reflect these broader trends, making an "Up" resolution a more realistic outcome than the market currently implies.