Visit the Federal Reserve\'s Web site and select Monetary Policy. Website : www.

Question

Visit the Federal Reserve's Web site and select Monetary Policy.

Website: www.federalreserve.gov (Links to an external site.)

Then click on Reports and then Beige Book to retrieve the summary report for current economic conditions by Federal Reserve District. Select the most current report. Then select the District where you live, have lived in the past, or where you are from originally (go to www.federalreserve.gov/otherfrb.htm (Links to an external site.) to locate your district).

In the subject of your post, please indicate which district you are writing about (e.g. Atlanta District).

What are some highlights of the report regarding Retail Sales, Consumer Spending, Real Estate and Construction, Manufacturing, Labor and Prices, etc. during the most recent period? In your opinion, how did your district perform compared to other districts and the U.S. in general? Given the current state of the U.S. economy, what monetary policy changes would you suggest that would be beneficial to your district at this time and why?

I am in the 12 or 8 district for this question....either will work

Explanation / Answer

Chosen district: St. Louis

Summary:

There has been a constant improvement in the economic activity of this district. Wages have grown moderately, while employment and prices have increased rapidly. Most of the retail sales increased only in the last quarter of the year, though they were still short of what was expected. Low gas prices were one of the major contributors to increased demand. The manufacturing sector was somewhat stable, similar to the service sector. These sectors did show improvement, though they were still behind expectations.

Residential sales expanded vastly and the same is expected from the future months. The banking sector also showed an overall improvement, with demand for loans getting stronger along with improved consumer ratings. Things were however mixed for the agriculture sector, with corn and soybeans showing a deterioration and cotton and rice showing improvement. Coal production also declined.

Changes which can be suggested: Increased focus on agricultural as well as manufacturing sector.

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