A private survey shows that U.S. businesses hired fewer workers in September than August, a sign that slow growth may be holding back hiring.
Payroll processor ADP says companies added 162,000 jobs last month. That's below August's total of 189,000, which was revised lower.
The report only covers hiring in the private sector and excludes government employment. The Labor Department will offer a more complete picture of September hiring on Friday.
The ADP and government surveys frequently diverge. In August, the government said private companies added 103,000, half ADP's original estimate of 201,000.