The U.S. economy weakened across the nation over the past six weeks, according to the Beige Book - a detailed report released by the Federal Reserve. Central themes included a general weakening in most labour markets, soft consumer spending during the holiday period, further deterioration in real estate markets and tightening credit.
Nearly all of 12 Federal Reserve districts continued to slow down. "Most Districts noted reduced or low activity across a wide range of industries, although a few Districts noted some exceptions in some sectors," the report said.
Vehicle sales were weak in most districts, while manufacturing activity decreased across the nation. Declines were noted in a wide range of manufacturing industries, with few exceptions.
Conditions in residential real estate markets continued to worsen in most districts, with reduced home sales, lower prices and decreases in construction activity repeatedly noted in the report.
Lending activity continued to tighten in several districts and credit quality remained a concern.
Lower energy prices were found in many districts, and for the exception of the Richmond District - which mentioned higher prices for raw materials - most reporting districts noted declining input prices.
Confirming Wednesday morning's dismal U.S. retail sales report, the Beige Book said the holiday season was "generally negative" in most districts. "Retail sales during the holiday season were weak or mostly down in the Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, and San Francisco Districts," the summary said.
In the last Beige Book, released Dec. 3, economic conditions had weakened across all 12 districts and consumer spending had slowed significantly.
The Beige Book is the central bank's summary of economic news over roughly the past six weeks from the 12 Federal Reserve Bank districts. The Fed's monetary policy committee looks to the compilation of comments by regional Fed banks to get a non-numerical picture of economic conditions across the country.
By Patrick McGee
©CEP News Ltd. 2009