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

By Holly Stokes, Kevin Kastner, and Sara Haire

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

Beige Book compiled by the Atlanta Fed Bank through Jan 8, 2018: 

     -Five districts saw "modest" growth and six districts saw 

"moderate" growth, while Dallas saw a "robust increase." The 2018 

outlook continues to be optimistic amongst contacts throughout the 

country. A mostly positive reading for the Fed to ponder at their next 

meeting. 

     -Most districts saw modest to moderate price growth. Chicago noted 

prices increased slightly. Conversely, San Francisco saw price inflation 

being down slightly. 

     -Pricing pressures were mixed in the districts, with increases 

reported in manufacturing, construction, or transportation input costs. 

Some districts found it easier to increase selling prices. 

     -Employment saw modest growth, despite most districts continuing to 

see a tight labor market. The ability to find skilled labor was said to 

be actually constraining growth in some instances. Wages were reportedly 

increasing at a modest pace, with some districts expecting further 

increases in the months ahead. 

     -Dallas saw economic activity pickup after moderately expanding 

through 2017, mainly due to continued growth in the manufacturing 

sector. Prices were elevated in manufacturing and retail, with many 

firms planning to pass through high-labor and input costs into prices in 

2018.  

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

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