Area Development
Private-sector employment increased by 217,000 jobs from January to February, the ADP National Employment Report finds. ADP says the additions indicate a strengthening of the labor market.

The service-providing sector added 202,000 of the total jobs created in February. The goods-producing sector added 15,000 jobs. Manufacturing created 20,000 jobs, the fifth consecutive monthly gain.

Medium-sized businesses, or those with fewer 50-499 employees, added the most jobs, with 104,000 positions created in February. Small businesses created 100,000 jobs and large businesses added 13,000 jobs.