Fed Beige Book: Price pressures will stabilize or ease further in coming months
The Fed Beige Book notes that, overall, prices rose modestly during the most recent reporting period. However, selling prices rose only slightly in three regions. The increase in non-labor input costs, which was largely described as moderate to moderate, was generally moderating, although one region reported that input cost growth was accelerating. Freight and insurance expenses continued to increase in some regions. In contrast, some regions noted some moderation in cost pressures for food, lumber, and concrete. Looking ahead, respondents generally expect price and cost pressures to stabilize or ease further in the coming months.