Economic activity increased in most parts of the U.S., and employment was mostly unchanged in recent weeks, the Federal Reserve said on Wednesday, Jan. 14, in its “Beige Book” report.
"Outlooks for future activity were mildly optimistic with most expecting slight to modest growth in coming months," the Fed said in the report, a compendium of survey results, interviews and other qualitative data from its 12 regional banks that is meant to help central bankers assess the economy's health in the run-up to each of the eight yearly rate-setting meetings.
Eight of the 12 Fed banks reported increased economic activity, and eight reported mostly no change in hiring, the report said. Prices grew at a "moderate rate" across all but two districts, which reported just "slight" price growth. Read more.