Hiring slowed in September

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. businesses added 154,000 jobs in September, the slowest pace of hiring since April, according to a survey by payroll processor ADP.

Manufacturers cut jobs for the eighth straight month, and professional and business services, which includes high-paying jobs such as accountants and engineers, added the fewest jobs in five months. The modest job gain adds to other recent evidence that hiring is slowing after several years of strong increases. Businesses added 175,000 jobs in August, ADP’s report said, and 196,000 in July.

Recent economic data has painted a mixed picture of the economy. Consumer spending slipped in August to its lowest level since March, yet consumer confidence has jumped to a nine-year high.

U.S. manufacturing expanded in September, after contracting in August, according to Institute for Supply Management survey.