US private-sector hiring data released Wednesday painted a downcast picture of the job market in the world's biggest economy, especially among small businesses.

The report showed US companies shed 32,000 jobs in November, payroll firm ADP said, in a surprise drop set to firm up expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut next week.

President Donald Trump has been touting the economy's health, and forecasts had incorrectly predicted the monthly data would show a net rise in employment.

"Hiring has been choppy of late as employers weather cautious consumers and an uncertain macroeconomic environment," ADP chief economist Nela Richardson said.

"While November's slowdown was broad-based, it was led by a pullback among small businesses."

The ADP data had been expected to show 20,00

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