Most districts saw modest or moderate expansion, while New York reported no change, according to the Beige Book, release by the Federal Reserve on Wednesday.
St. Louis, Kansas City, and Dallas reported improved growth from the prior Beige Book survey period. Most districts had positive outlooks, and "slight to moderate" growth was expected to continue in several districts, the report said.
The labor market stayed "tight," and employment and wage growth was modest.
"Most Districts characterized input costs and/or output prices as fairly flat, but prices increased slightly on net," according to the report.
Manufacturing was termed "mixed" as a strong dollar hurt exports "a few" regions said.
Retail spending grew in most districts, with modest growth forecast.
Auto sales and tourism varied by region.
"Demand for nonfinancial services generally increased, and staffing firms noted steady or higher demand," the report noted.
"Residential construction and real estate activity expanded further, although low home inventories continued to constrain sales in a few Districts. Home price appreciation continued at a modest pace in general, and commercial real estate activity and construction improved since the last report," the report said. "Demand for business and consumer loans increased, aside from some seasonal slowing, and credit quality remained strong or improved."
