Mo. jobless rate matches national average

Missouri's unemployment rate continued its upward climb in March and now matches the U.S. average.

The jobless rate in the Show-Me State rose three-tenths of a point to 6.7 percent last month, up from 6.4 percent in February and 6 percent in January, according to a state news release. The U.S. unemployment rate was 6.7 percent in March, largely unchanged from February.

Overall, Missouri employers added 3,500 jobs last month. Among positive movement was the construction industry, which hired 2,000; manufacturing, which increased employment by 400 jobs in durable goods and 900 jobs in nondurable goods; education and health services, which added 1,600 jobs, the release said.