NEW YORK, March 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. stocks ended higher on Friday, with the Nasdaq closing at record highs, as the latest jobs data from the country came out positive.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 440.53 points, or 1.77 percent, to 25,335.74. The S&P 500 increased 47.60 points, or 1.74 percent, to 2,786.57. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 132.86 points, or 1.79 percent, to 7,560.81.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 313,000 in February, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1 percent, said the U.S. Labor Department on Friday. Economists had expected a gain of 200,000 jobs.

In February, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 4 cents to 26.75 U.S. dollars, following a 7-cent gain in January. Over the year, average hourly earnings have increased by 68 cents, or 2.6 percent, lower than market expectations.

Analysts said with the strong jobs increase and soft wages growth, the report "couldn't be more positive" for the market.

U.S. equities suffered great losses last month after stronger-than-expected wages growth triggered market concerns for higher inflation.

Meanwhile, investors were digesting the latest developments of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff plan.

Trump on Thursday formally signed proclamations to impose steep tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.

According to the announcement, the United States will impose a 25-percent tariff on imported steel and 10 percent on aluminum, which will take effect in 15 days with initial exemptions for Canada and Mexico.