Energy costs raise concerns on growing economy

By msnbc.com staff and news reports

The U.S. economy kept growing moderately in the late winter months but rising prices for gasoline and other energy products were beginning to worry producers and consumers across the country, the Federal Reserve said on Wednesday.

"Reports from the 12 Federal Reserve districts indicated that the economy continued to expand at a modest to moderate pace from mid-February through late March," the central bank said in its latest "Beige Book" summary of national activity.

It found several hopeful signs for growth, including steady hiring and shortages of skilled workers as well as brisk new-vehicle sales and improving residential real estate markets but with a strong dose of concern about energy costs.

"Manufacturers in many districts expressed optimism about near-term growth prospects, but they are somewhat concerned about rising petroleum prices," the Fed said.

Similarly, while immediate prospects for consumer spending were seen as bright, "contacts in several districts expressed concerns that rising gas prices could limit discretionary spending in the months to come."

According to the report:

Activity in the Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and San Francisco Districts grew at a moderate pace, while Cleveland and St. Louis cited modest growth. New York reported that economic growth picked up somewhat. Philadelphia and Richmond cited improving business conditions. The economy in Minneapolis grew at a solid pace and Kansas City's economy expanded at a faster pace.

Hiring was steady or showed a modest increase in most districts, the report said. But companies continued to have difficulty finding qualified workers for high-skilled jobs.

The Beige Book, prepared this time by the Cleveland Fed based on information collected by April 2, has market interest because it is based on anecdotal reports from business people from coast to coast and thus reflects real-life conditions.?

Read the full report.

Reuters contributed to this report.??

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