In the Beige Book economic report, Fed said that “economic growth downshifted slightly to a moderate pace in early July through August”. The deceleration in activity was “largely attributable to a pullback in dining out, travel, and tourism in most Districts, reflecting safety concerns due to the rise of the Delta variant, and, in a few cases, international travel restrictions.” Other sectors were “constrained by supply disruptions and labor shortages, as opposed to softening demand”
All Districts continued to report “rising employment overall”. All Districts noted “extensive labor shortages that were constraining employment”. A number of Districts reported an “acceleration in wages”, with several noted “particularly brisk wage gains among lower-wage workers”. Inflation was “steady at a elevated pace”. Several Districts indicated that businesses anticipate “significant hikes in their selling prices in the months ahead”.
