Fed Beige Book Shows Economic Activity Little Changed

Economic Outlook - Higher income consumers show resilience in spending [1] - Labor market indicates weaker labor demand [1] - Aggregate spending is declining [3] - Aggregate employment is declining [3] Monetary Policy Implications - The Fed may need to undergird the economy and consider an additional rate cut in December [3] - Rising unemployment rate and declining employment could prompt the Fed to cut rates [4] - The Fed is trying to maintain balance amid rising prices and input cost pressures [6] Inflation and Pricing - Firms can only pass through about 20% of higher input costs [3] - Prices are rising moderately, with widespread input cost pressures among manufacturers and retailers [6] - Input cost increases are related to tariff induced increases [6]