Investing.com - U.S. non-farm private employment rose less-than-expected in March, fuelling concern over the strength of the U.S. labor market, industry data showed on Wednesday.
In a report, payroll processing firm ADP said non-farm private employment rose by a seasonally adjusted 191,000 last month, below expectations for an increase of 195,000.
February’s figure was revised up to a gain of 178,000 from a previously reported increase of 139,000.
While not viewed as a reliable guide for the government jobs report due on Friday, April 4, it does give guidance on private-sector hiring.
Following the release of the data, the U.S. dollar was modestly higher against the euro to trade higher, with EUR/USD shedding 0.06% to trade at 1.3785, compared to 1.3793 ahead of the data.
Meanwhile, U.S. stock index futures held on to gains. The Dow 30 futures indicated a gain of 0.1% at the open, S&P 500 futures pointed to a rise of 0.1%, while the Nasdaq 100 futures indicated an increase of 0.15%.