Private sector job creation turned positive in December though at a bit softer pace than expected.

Private sector job creation turned positive in December though at a bit softer pace than expected.

Private-sector employment rose by 41,000 jobs in December, though the rise was lower than the expected 48,000, ADP reported Wednesday.

Nonfarm payrolls likely rose by 73,000 last month while the unemployment rate edged lower to 4.5%, according to the Dow Jones consensus.

Nonfarm payrolls were expected to rise by 73,000 in December as the unemployment rate moved lower to 4.5%.