WASHINGTON — The number of Federal Reserve banks reporting greater economic activity fell to eight from 12 in the latest edition of the Fed’s Beige Book, which was released Wednesday and reflects information collected on or before July 19. The report suggests growth has stalled somewhat since earlier this year.
Fed banks reported that manufacturing activity continued to expand in most districts.
Tourism and retail sales for necessity goods were also generally strong. Auto sales and real estate activity, for both residential and commercial properties, have weakened, the report said.
The Cleveland and Kansas City districts reported that economic activity held steady during the survey period. The Atlanta and Chicago districts said their regions experienced a slowdown.
