**MNI: 5 Things We Learned From The Beige Book>

By Holly Stokes and Jean Yung

     WASHINGTON (MNI) - The following are the key points from the 

Beige Book compiled by the St Louis Fed through Nov 17: 

     -11 districts saw economies expand at a modest to moderate 

pace, with Chicago reporting a slight increase. 

     -Construction material costs, freight transportation costs rose in 

most regions, attributed to hurricane recovery efforts. 

     -Price pressures strengthened as selling prices grew modestly to 

moderately and non-labor input costs increased moderately. Increases 

seen in manufacturing and transportation prices passed through to 

customers.

     -Employment growth increased modestly to moderately, amidst tight 

labor market. Wage growth remained modest to moderate, but many 

districts reported employers raising wages and nonwage benefits to 

attract employees. 

     -Manufacturing activity expanded in all regions. Demand for goods 

robust. Some firms reported capital expenditure, investment plans. 

Outlook is optimistic for 2018. 

     ** MNI Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 ** 

[TOPICS: MAUDS$,M$U$$$,MAUDR$]