Recovery in sight for US economy

Washington: US private employers stepped up hiring in June while the numbers filing for jobless benefits fell last week, strengthening views the economy is set to pick up in the second half.

Payrolls processor ADP yesterday said private-sector employment increased 157,000 last month after a gain of 36,000 gain in May.

A separate report from the labour department showed initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 418,000 last week.