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The Beige Book document, which is published periodically by the FED and provides valuable information about the US economy, has finally been published. Here are the details you need to know from the document:
- Overall economic activity has increased slightly since mid-January. Overall expectations for economic activity in the coming months are slightly optimistic.
- Prices increased modestly in most regions, although a few regions reported an acceleration in the pace of price growth compared with the previous reporting period.
- While most contacts in the region expect the tariffs to lead to price increases, some individual reports suggest companies have already raised prices.
- The residential real estate market is mixed, with the report noting continued stock constraints and a slight decline in construction activity for both residential and non-residential units. Some in the industry also expressed concerns about the impact of tariffs on lumber and other material prices.
- Contacts in various regions said increasing uncertainty around migration and other issues was affecting current and future labour demand.
- While wages increased at a modest to moderate pace, slightly slower than previous reports, several regions noted easing wage pressures.
- Many regions noted that rising prices for eggs and other food ingredients were affecting food processors and restaurants.
- “While consumer spending declined overall, demand for necessities remained strong, but price sensitivity for discretionary items increased, particularly among lower-income consumers,” the report said. At the same time, prices “rose modestly,” with some areas rising faster than the previous period. “Unusual weather” in some areas weakened demand in the leisure and hotel sectors, the Fed said.
*This is not investment advice.
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