A new report from ADP shows an increase of 325,000 jobs in December. Estimates called for around 178,000 new jobs. A new Labor Department report showed a decrease in first-time claims for unemployment, to the lowest level in three years. Analysts say that the higher number is a good sign, but that the recovery will continue to be slow.
See "ADP: U.S. companies added 325,000 workers to payrolls", Timothy R. Homan, The Washington Post, January 4, 2012