Employers Add 175K Jobs Despite Winter 03/07 07:43

   WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. hiring improved in February from the previous two 
months despite a blast of wintry weather, likely renewing hopes that growth 
will accelerate this year.

   The Labor Department says employers added 175,000 jobs last month, up from 
just 129,000 in January, which was revised up from 113,000.

   The unemployment rate rose to 6.7 percent from a five-year low 6.6 percent. 
More Americans started looking for work but didn't find jobs. That's still an 
encouraging sign because more job hunters suggest that people were more 
optimistic about their prospects.

   The figures were a welcome surprise after recent economic reports showed 
that harsh weather closed factories, lowered auto sales, and caused 
existing-home sales to plummet.


(KA)