New York, April 20 (HNA) – Overall economic activity was little changed in recent weeks, stated the Federal Reserve, underlining that, nine Districts reported either no change or only a slight change in activity during this period while three indicated modest growth.
Expectations for future growth were mostly unchanged as well; however, two Districts saw outlooks deteriorate, Fed said in the Beige Book, released on Wednesday, and went on as follows:
“Consumer spending was generally seen as flat to down slightly amid continued reports of moderate price growth. Auto sales remained steady overall, with only a couple of Districts reporting improved sales and inventory levels. Travel and tourism picked up across much of the country during this period.
“Manufacturing activity was widely reported as flat or down even as supply chains continued to improve. Transportation and freight volumes were also flat to down, according to several Districts. On balance, residential real estate sales and new construction activity softened modestly.
“Nonresidential construction was little changed while sales and leasing activity was generally flat to down. Lending volumes and loan demand generally declined across consumer and business loan types. Several Districts noted that banks tightened lending standards amid increased uncertainty and concerns about liquidity. The majority of Districts reported steadily increasing demand and sales for nonfinancial services. Agriculture conditions were mostly unchanged in recent weeks while some softening was reported in energy markets.”