Private sector employment increased by 241,000 jobs from November to December.Analysts were predicting smaller incline by 230,00. Payrolls for businesses with 49 or fewer employees increased by 106,000 jobs in December, up from 99,000 in November. Employment among companies with 50-499 employees rose by 70,000, down slightly from November’s increase of 73,000.
Employment at large companies – those with 500 or more employees – increased from 54,000 the previous month to 66,000 jobs added in December. Companies with 500-999 employees added 22,000 jobs, up from November’s 12,000, which accounted for most of the increase. Companies with over 1,000 employees added 43,000 jobs, just above November’s 42,000.
"December delivered another strong number well above 200,000 to close out a solid year of employment growth with over two and a half million jobs added,” said Carlos Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of ADP. “Small businesses continued to lead the way, but mid-sized and large companies also showed solid gains.”
After the data USD gained further against its major rivals. Euro is currently being traded few points above 1.1820 level, Sterling is slightly above 1.51handle, while Aussie is around 0.8050 area. Later today,
Trade Balance figures and
FOMC Meeting Minutes are scheduled for a release.