Beige Book highlights:
- A few districts reported some strengthening in activity
- Consumer spending reports mixed, home sales were stronger
- Loan demand mixed, reports on manufacturing favourable
- Labor market remained tight, wage growth moderate
- Reports on consumer spending were mixed but suggested sluggish sales for both general retailers and auto dealers
- Prices on balance has risen modestly since last report
- Input costs increased in a modest-to-moderate range with tariffs, freight costs and rising wages often cited
- Prepared by St Louis Fed with data and responses up to April 8
The 'slight-to-moderate' is the same language as in March so there's no change there. The takeaway is that growth is the same except for some strengthening in a couple spots.
