Beige Book: Economy Improving Modestly

WASHINGTON — The economy continued to improve in the final two months of 2010, with all 12 Federal Reserve districts reporting some improvements in manufacturing and retail, the Fed reported Wednesday in its “beige book,” an anecdotal compilation of economic activity.

Residential real estate and commercial construction continue to be a drag on economic growth, with eight districts reporting slow sales. All districts said economic concerns were the primary hindrance to sales. Access to credit was also cited as a problem in some districts.

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