Private sector adds 170,000 jobs in January

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ROSELAND, N.J., Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Payroll firm Automatic Data Processing Inc. said the U.S. economy added 170,000 private sector jobs in January, in line with economists' expectations.

Economists predicted a slightly higher figure, forecasting there would be 185,000 jobs added in the month.

ADP also said Tuesday December's gain was not as high as previously published. The firm said 292,000 jobs were added to the economy in December, not 325,000.

In January, small businesses, those with fewer than 50 employees, added 95,000 jobs, while medium-sized businesses, those with 50-499 workers, added 72,000 jobs. Larger firms, consistent with the past year, have added a fraction of the contribution made by smaller firms. Companies with 500 or more workers added 3,000 jobs in January, ADP said.

Also consistent with recent data, goods-producing firms added 18,000 jobs, while service-oriented firms added 152,000.