Private employers added 119,000 jobs in April, far fewer than expected, a report by a payrolls processor showed on Wednesday.
Economists surveyed by Reuters had forecast the ADP National Employment Report would show a gain of 177,000 jobs. The report is jointly developed with Macroeconomic Advisers LLC.
The report covers hiring only in the private sector. And it has been known to deviate sharply from the government's figures, which will be released on Friday.
For example, the government said employers added just 120,000 jobs in March — much lower than ADP's estimate.
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Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
