67% of Districts reported slight to modest growth, 25% reported no change, and 8% noted softening. The economic outlook for future growth remained positive, with expectations for strong demand and less restrictive financial conditions over the next 6 to 12 months.
Labor: Employment rose in most Districts. Overall, the labor market eased, with nearly all Districts highlighting improved labor availability and employee retention. Businesses generally found it easier to fill open positions and to find qualified applicants, although attracting workers for highly skilled positions remained difficult. Wages grew further across Districts, although at a slower pace
Prices: Price pressures persisted during the reporting period. Several Districts reported increases in freight costs and several insurance categories, including employer-sponsored health insurance. Businesses found it harder to pass through higher costs to their customers, who became increasingly sensitive to price changes.