Investing.com - The Federal Reserve Bank's economic report on Wednesday indicated that there was moderate economic growth throughout the U.S., suggesting that the economy is healthy as the new year approaches.
The bank noted the "strong dollar" was a headwind for the economy, indicating there was mild demand for manufactured goods overall. The study of the 12 fed districts across the U.S. said that employment "continued to expand," and the wage growth was moderate.
Most Fed districts reported higher retail sales, most significantly in apparel and furniture. Single family housing construction starts were a bit higher in most districts. Car sales declined, however.
The Fed is expected to raise rates next month at the meeting for the first time in a year.