U.S. ADP non-farm payrolls rise by 139,000 in February

U.S. non-farm private employment rose less-than-expected in February, fuelling concern over the U.S. labor market, industry data showed on Wednesday.

U.S. ADP non-farm payrolls rise less than expected in February

In a report, payroll processing firm ADP said non-farm private employment rose by a seasonally adjusted 139,000 last month, below expectations for an increase of 160,000.

January’s figure was revised down to a gain of 127,000 from a previously reported increase of 175,000.

While not viewed as a reliable guide for the government jobs report due on Friday, March 7, it does give guidance on private-sector hiring.

Following the release of the data, the U.S. dollar erased gains against the euro to trade higher, with EUR/USD adding 0.02% to trade at 1.3745, compared to 1.3736 ahead of the data.

Meanwhile, U.S. stock index futures remained modestly higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average 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 0.1%.