Seventh District Economic Update
A summary of economic conditions in the Seventh District from the latest release of the Beige Book and from other indicators of regional business activity:
- Overall conditions: The rate of growth in economic activity in the Seventh District continued to be modest, but slowed a bit in October and early November. Contacts remained hopeful for improvement in 2014, although they were slightly less optimistic than they were during the previous reporting period.
- Consumer spending: Consumer spending growth remained modest in October and early November. Auto sales in the District slowed during the government shutdown, but subsequently picked up in late October and November. Non-auto retailers reported typical sales levels during the lull between the back-to-school and holiday season. They expected moderate growth in sales during the holiday season.
- Business Spending: Growth in business spending flattened out in September. Growth in capital spending slowed slightly and inventories were at comfortable levels for most retailers and manufacturers. The pace of hiring edged lower and retailers indicated that seasonal hiring plans were about the same as last year.
- Construction and Real Estate: Construction and real estate activity increased moderately over the reporting period. Demand for residential construction grew slightly and conditions in the residential real estate market continued to improve, but at a slower pace. Nonresidential construction grew modestly and commercial real estate activity continued to expand.
- Manufacturing: Growth in manufacturing production remained moderate. The auto and aerospace industries were again a source of strength. Steel production fell slightly, as did demand for specialty metals. Demand was up for construction materials and heavy- and medium- duty trucks; demand for heavy equipment remained soft.
- Banking and finance: Credit conditions changed little on balance over the reporting period. Volatility decreased significantly across several asset classes and equity markets saw significant improvements. Demand for commercial and industrial loans remained relatively unchanged. Contacts noted increased consumer borrowing, but saw declining residential mortgage activity as the increase in borrowing rates discouraged refinancing.
- Prices and Costs: Cost pressures changed little since the last report. Overall, commodity prices were up slightly. Retailers noted that heavy promotional activity is planned for the holiday season. Wage pressures were up slightly and non-wage labor costs were steady.
- Agriculture: Harvesting took longer this fall because of delays from precipitation and a larger crop. Pastures and winter wheat fields were in better shape than they were last year. Crop and hog prices fell; milk and cattle prices were a bit higher.
The Midwest Economy Index (MEI) decreased to +0.22 in October from +0.34 in September, and the relative MEI fell to +0.19 in October from +0.62 in September. October’s value for the relative MEI indicates that Midwest economic growth was higher than would typically be suggested by the growth rate of the national economy.
The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) increased 0.4% in October, to a seasonally adjusted level of 97.4 (2007 = 100). Revised data show the index was up 0.3% in September. The Federal Reserve Board’s industrial production index for manufacturing (IPMFG) moved up 0.3% in October. Regional output rose 5.7% in October from a year earlier, and national output increased 3.6%.
