US private-sector hiring strengthened in May, offering fresh evidence that the labor market remains resilient despite rising inflation and uncertainty stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON, June 3 (Reuters) - U.S. services sector activity picked up in May as businesses preemptively placed orders and replenished inventories in anticipation of shortages and higher prices stemming from the war in the Middle East.