【UNFX课堂】联储最新褐皮书解读：经济活动普遍放缓，关税不确定性成关键阻力

Economic Activity - The latest Beige Book indicates a general slowdown in economic activity across the U.S. since the last report, with half of the regions reporting slight to moderate declines [1][4] - Labor market conditions show a cooling trend, with most regions reporting decreased labor demand, reduced hours, hiring freezes, and plans for layoffs [1][3] Labor Market - Overall employment levels have remained stable, but there is evidence of a shift in labor supply and demand dynamics, with increased job applicants and reduced employee turnover [1][3] - Wage growth continues at a moderate pace, with easing wage pressures, which is a positive sign for alleviating service sector inflation [2][3] Price and Cost Pressures - Prices have risen at a moderate pace, but there are expectations for faster increases in costs and prices in the future, primarily due to higher tariffs [2][4] - Businesses are adopting various strategies to cope with rising costs, including raising prices, compressing profit margins, or adding temporary surcharges [2][3] Sector Performance - Manufacturing reports a general decline in activity, with reduced new orders and increased inventories, influenced by uncertainty and tariffs [3][4] - Consumer spending shows mixed performance, particularly weak in non-essential goods, with some consumers making preemptive purchases to avoid future tariffs [3][4] - The real estate sector is experiencing stagnation or decline in residential sales and new construction, with increased inventory and slowing price growth [3][4] Financial Services - Loan demand is generally stable or weakening, with uncertainty suppressing trading activity, while credit standards remain stable or slightly relaxed [3][4] Market Implications - The economic slowdown and corporate profit pressures may pose downside risks for the stock market, while a cooling labor market could signal potential easing [5][6] - In the bond market, the economic slowdown may support lower bond yields, but inflation concerns from tariffs could limit this downward movement [5][6] - Commodity demand may be suppressed due to economic activity slowdown, but supply chain adjustments and trade policy changes could lead to structural impacts [7][8] Uncertainty and Future Outlook - The overarching theme of uncertainty, particularly related to trade policy, is a significant barrier to economic vitality, affecting both corporate decision-making and consumer sentiment [4][8] - The future economic trajectory will largely depend on how these uncertainties evolve and the impact of trade policies [9]