The U.S. economy grew at modest pace, according to the Federal Reserve's latest survey of business conditions, released Wednesday.
Reports indicate consumer spending did well and manufacturing activity was mixed, possibly due to the rise of the dollar, from mid-May through the end of June. Gains in retail also offset a slump in new automobile sales.
The central bank, which has not raised interest rates in a years, is expected to raise a key interest rate at its December meeting.
Seven of the 12 Federal Reserve Districts in the survey known as the "Beige Book" described growth as modest to moderate.
In the St. Louis District, which includes all of Arkansas and parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee, the report said economic conditions have modestly improved.
Of the businesses surveyed, 40 percent reported employment was higher or slightly higher than at the same time last year, and more than half expect their firm to increase employment over the next 12 months, but many said they had trouble finding workers with the skills they required.
More: Read the complete report for the St. Louis District.
More than half of those surveyed reported wages were higher or slightly higher than during the same period last year, and 60 percent reported increasing wages and salaries to attract or retain employees.
Consumer prices increased modestly.
The following are excerpts from the St. Louis District report.
Consumer Spending
"Reports from general retailers, auto dealers and the hospitality industry paint a mixed picture of consumer spending activity in the district...Multiple auto dealers across the district also reported a slowdown in sales, which some attributed to the uncertainty caused by the presidential election. Most dealers expect an increase in sales and inventory in the next quarter. In addition, several dealers also noted a shift in demand toward used vehicles. Contacts in the hospitality industry in East Arkansas continued to report favorable occupancy rates."
Manufacturing
"Manufacturing activity has increased modestly since our previous report...Several companies reported capital expenditure and facility expansion plans in the district, including firms that manufacture transportation equipment, machinery and fabricated metal products. In particular, an aircraft manufacturer announced a large, multi-year expansion. Reports from manufacturers of paper products were mixed. One manufacturer of pulp products for the personal care industry announced a major investment in new machinery to meet demand, while a manufacturer of paperboard products for packaging announced a plant closure. In the steel industry, contacts reported that increased demand from the automotive sector has partially offset the decline in demand from the energy sector, but that oversupply remains a concern."
Other Business Activity
"Several firms that provide information technology services, leisure and hospitality services, and health care announced plans to build new facilities or expand current facilities and hire new employees. Reports from retail services were mixed, with restaurant and grocery store closings and openings reported across the district. Reports from the transportation sector were positive. A Memphis contact reported revenues are up, and Little Rock contacts reported shipment increases outperforming seasonal highs."
Real Estate & Construction
"Year-to-date home sales remained strong in all four MSAs, increasing by 10 percent in Little Rock, 7 percent in Louisville, 8 percent in Memphis, and 5 percent in St. Louis compared with the same time last year. Most real estate contacts reported fourth-quarter demand for single-family homes has remained flat, but more than half expect demand to increase slightly in the first quarter of 2017. Residential construction has strengthened moderately since our previous report.
"Commercial real estate activity has improved modestly since our previous report. Most survey respondents reported that demand for office and retail properties was about the same or slightly higher than a year ago, while a slim majority indicated that demand for industrial properties has been slightly higher. These trends are expected to continue in the coming months. Commercial construction activity increased modestly, as a majority of local construction contacts indicated an increase in demand for office and retail properties so far in the fourth quarter; they also expect demand to carry into the first quarter."
Banking & Finance
"A survey of district banks indicates growth in loan demand during the current quarter with some signs of slowing demand in the first quarter of 2017. District bankers reported that demand for mortgages and commercial and industrial loans has been strong during the fourth quarter. Contacts expect strong demand for commercial and industrial loans to continue into 2017; however, there was an uptick in the number of bankers expecting the demand for mortgages to slow slightly in early 2017. The demand for auto loans has been generally unchanged; again, there was an uptick in the number of bankers expecting the demand for auto loans to slow slightly."
Agriculture & Natural Resources
"Forecasted corn and rice production are now slightly lower than projected in September. Meanwhile, cotton and soybean production forecasts are up slightly. Overall, contacts believe production levels will not provide any relief from the environment of low crop prices, which means farmer solvency issues will only worsen heading into the next crop year. Year-to-date coal production through October is down 20 percent from one year ago. However, October coal production is up 10 percent from the September level and slightly higher than one year ago. Contacts noted that the outlook has improved modestly in recent weeks; however, the supply and low price of natural gas continues to temper long-run growth prospects."