US private sector adds 109,000 jobs in April, most since early 2025

In April, US private-sector payrolls increased by 109,000, marking the most significant rise since early 2025, as reported by ADP Research on Wednesday. This uptick surpassed the revised figure of 61,000 from the previous month but did not meet the Bloomberg survey's median forecast of 120,000. Health services and education accounted for over half of the new jobs, with additional growth in trade, transport, utilities, and construction—potentially linked to AI-driven data center projects. The report reflects a stabilizing labor market after a challenging year, with employers showing increased confidence amidst clearer tariffs, immigration, and fiscal policies. Layoffs remain minimal. Mizuho Securities USA economist Alex Pelle highlighted ongoing positive momentum, particularly among small businesses and those with 500 or more employees, mainly in the West and South.