Private sector job creation surged in July to 200,000 as small businesses and services led the way, according to the latest report from ADP and Moody's Analytics.
The report topped analyst expectations of 180,000 and sets the stage for a possibly stronger nonfarm payrolls report number Friday.
Small business, employing fewer than 50 workers, added 82,000, the report showed, outpacing medium-sized (50-499 employees) and large businesses, which respectively added 60,000 and 57,000.
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As has been the case in recent months, most of the positions came from services, which added 177,000. Goods producers added 22,000.