US economy adds 88K jobs, rate drops to 7.6 pct.

WASHINGTON — U.S. employers added just 88,000 jobs in March, the fewest in nine months and a sharp retreat after a period of strong hiring. The slowdown is a reminder that the job market's path back to full health will be uneven.

AP Photo/Steve Helber

A help wanted sign is shown in front of a restaurant in Richmond, Va. The U.S. economy has enjoyed a four-month stretch of robust job gains. Last month, 88,000 jobs were created.

The Labor Department said Friday that the unemployment rate dipped to 7.6 percent from 7.7 percent. While that is the lowest rate in four years, it fell last month only...