Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

best economic educators and is deeply committed to making economic and...prices are set in a market economy. This imbalance can and will be addressed

compared to the previous survey period; large discount chains continued...compared to the previous survey period. In most areas, vacancy rates for

compared to the previous quarter. Many contacts' results are lagging behind...compared to 2002. Most retailers are keeping inventories tight, but some

and, thus, fewer markdowns. Consumer confidence rose in July, according...the lowest level in more than two years--while Midtown's rate fell 0.3

compared with a year ago. Most Florida contacts continued to report fewer...compared with last year at this time, while outside of Florida there were

prices. On balance, firms in the region have slightly increased their ...Price reductions to stimulate sales were described as very deep by store

the rate at which it lends directly to banks--50 basis points, or 1/2 ...and, should inflation expectations become unmoored, had the potential

Prices Inflationary pressures were little changed, with prices rising ...compared to the same time last year, with hotel occupancy rates notably

compared to prior years. Labor Markets Overall, employment increased at...prices only selectively, and the majority held prices steady, with some

Prices Prices have increased moderately since our previous report; however...compared with the same time a year ago, but they were starting to show