The US private sector added approximately 41,000 jobs in December, according to figures released moments ago by the ADP, after losing about 32,000 jobs in November. This fell short of expectations, which had predicted an increase of 49,000 jobs. Average wages rose by 4.4%.

In detail, the construction sector added about 1,000 jobs, as did the manufacturing sector. The services sector added 44,000 jobs, with the education and health services sector leading the way with an increase of 39,000 jobs. The professional and business services sector lost 29,000 jobs, while the trade, transportation, and utilities sector added approximately 1,111 jobs.