All but 1 district saw activity expanding at a..>

FED: All but 1 district saw activity expanding at a modest to moderate 

pace, with Chicago reporting slight growth, the Beige Book said 

Wednesday. 

-Construction material costs, freight transportation costs rose in most 

regions off of hurricane rebuilding. 

-Price pressure strengthening with selling price levels rising modestly 

to moderately and moderate increases in non-labor input costs. Increases 

in transpo and mfg prices passed through to customers.

-Pre-holiday spending mixed, but largely flat. Outlook optimistic. 

-Labor markets remained tight, employment growth increased modestly 

to moderately in most districts.

-Wage growth modest to moderate, with many districts reporting employers 

raising wages and nonwage benefits to combat labor shortage.