The Federal Reserve's Beige Book, a regular publication providing insights into the economy, has been unveiled. Here are the key highlights:
- Price increases have remained moderate, consistent with the previous report.
- Overall economic activity has seen slight expansion on a balanced basis since late February.
- Employment has increased at a modest pace overall.
- The economic outlook among respondents was cautiously optimistic.
- Predictions suggest inflation will maintain a slow pace in the future, according to most respondents.
- Manufacturers in several regions perceive near-term inflation risks.
Prepared by the Boston Fed, this report is based on information collected on or before April 8, 2024. The Beige Book offers a depiction of regional economic conditions across the 12 Fed Regions, gathering qualitative data directly from various sources within each region.