Fed's Beige Book: Most Fed districts reported modest-to-moderate price growth since last report

Below are the key headlines, via Reuters, from the Federal Reserve's recently published Beige Book prepared by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta with data collected on or before January 8, 2018.

Economy continued to expand from late November through end of 2017.

Majority of contacts across the nation continue to have optimistic outlook for 2018.

Most manufacturers reported modest growth in overall business conditions.

Employment has continued to grow at a modest pace since previous Beige Book report.

Most Fed districts cited on-going labor market tightness and challenges finding qualified workers across skills and sectors.

Most Fed districts said wages increased at a modest pace, with a few reporting that firms were raising wages in a broader range of industries and positions since last report.

Most Fed districts reported modest-to-moderate price growth since last report.

Firms in some districts noted an ability to raise selling prices, with retailers in some districts reporting modest increases and reports of rising home prices across the country.