Fed Survey Shows Economy Grew Slowly in October, November
Dow Jones Newswires WASHINGTON -- The U.S. economy remained sluggish in late October and early November, with districts cautiously optimistic about the outlook, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday.
"Economic activity grew slowly, on balance, in late October and early November," the Fed said in its latest so-called Beige Book survey of economic conditions.
Economic conditions were described as soft or sluggish in the Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis and Dallas districts. Growth was mixed in Cleveland and St. Louis, while Kansas City, Philadelphia and New York reported a "marginal" improvement.
The Richmond and San Francisco districts reported continued growth, but at a slower pace than in September and early October.
Some districts remained concerned about the strength of the economic recovery and the geopolitical outlook.
"There is a general feeling that economic growth is fragile and likely to remain so, especially as long as the international situation is uncertain," the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank said.
The Beige Book is a summary of economic activity prepared for use at the central bank's next Federal Open Market Committee meeting Dec. 10.
The most recent report was prepared by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and reflects information gathered before Nov. 18.
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