Fed Beige Book Report Shows Economic Growth Cooling

The transcript discusses the current economic climate, highlighting slight to moderate growth and a persistent worker shortage. It examines the labor market's tightness, with companies offering incentives to retain workers, and anticipates wage increases. The global economic outlook is also addressed, with central banks like the Fed and ECB adopting cautious approaches due to slowing growth.

What is the Atlanta Fed's GDP estimate for the first quarter?

• Exactly 1%

• Under 1%

• Between 2% and 3%

• Above 3%

What is one of the challenges companies face in the labor market?

• Worker shortage

• Excessive number of applicants

• High employee turnover

• Lack of training programs

What is the expected increase in average hourly earnings?

• 3.3%

• 2.5%

• 5.0%

• 4.0%

Which organization is expected to downgrade its growth outlook?

• World Bank

• International Monetary Fund

• European Central Bank

• Asian Development Bank

What approach are central banks likely to take in response to slowing growth?

• Aggressive rate hikes

• Cautious and accommodative

• No change in policy

• Immediate rate cuts