BeigeBook_20250604

National Summary - Economic activity has slightly declined across the twelve Federal Reserve Districts, with half reporting slight to moderate declines, three reporting no change, and three reporting slight growth [12] - Elevated levels of economic and policy uncertainty have led to cautious business and household decisions, impacting manufacturing, consumer spending, and residential real estate [12] - Mixed reports on bank loan demand and capital spending plans, with robust activity at ports but mixed transportation and warehouse activity [12] Labor Markets - Employment levels have remained mostly unchanged, with most Districts reporting flat employment, slight increases in three Districts, and slight declines in two [13] - Lower employee turnover rates and more applicants for open positions have been noted, but hiring plans are often delayed due to uncertainty [13] - Wages continue to grow at a modest pace, with some Districts reporting easing wage pressures and upward pressure from higher living costs [13] Prices - Prices have increased at a moderate pace, with widespread expectations for faster cost and price increases in the future, particularly due to higher tariff rates [15] - Contacts have varied in their responses to rising costs, with some increasing prices, reducing profit margins, or adding temporary fees [15] Highlights by Federal Reserve District Boston - Economic activity decreased slightly, with modest declines in consumer spending and slight employment declines [16] New York - Economic activity continued to decline modestly, with steady employment but softened demand for workers [17] Philadelphia - Business activity declined modestly, with slight increases in manufacturing jobs but overall employment declines [18] Cleveland - Business activity remained flat, with a pullback in consumer spending and softer orders reported by manufacturers [19] Richmond - The regional economy grew mildly, with slight increases in consumer spending and nonfinancial services demand [20] Atlanta - The economy grew slightly, with steady employment and moderate price increases [21] Chicago - Economic activity increased slightly, with modest increases in consumer spending and employment [22] St. Louis - Economic activity remained unchanged, but the outlook has slightly deteriorated [23] Minneapolis - The District economy contracted slightly, with flat employment and moderate wage growth [24] Kansas City - Overall activity declined moderately, driven by lower retail spending and a decline in single-family home demand [25] Dallas - Economic activity was little changed, with steady nonfinancial services and subdued housing market [26] San Francisco - Economic activity slowed slightly, with stable employment levels and modest price increases [27] Sector-Specific Insights Retail and Tourism - Retail sales and restaurant sales slowed modestly, with consumers becoming more price-sensitive [32] Manufacturing - Manufacturing sales increased slightly, but demand for goods and services has slowed amid tariff uncertainty [33] Commercial Real Estate - Commercial real estate activity was flat, with mixed reports on leasing and investment sales [35] Residential Real Estate - Home sales dipped slightly, particularly in single-family homes, attributed to declining consumer confidence [36]