Fed Beige Book Shows ‘Widespread’ Job Gains Across U.S.

A Federal Reserve survey showed businesses across the country are hiring workers in industries from aerospace to finance, adding to evidence of labor-market strength ahead of key jobs data tomorrow.

“Employment gains were widespread,” the central bank said yesterday in its Beige Book, which is based on reports gathered on or before Nov. 24 by regional Fed banks. Consumer spending improved as gasoline prices plunged, and in a number of districts, business contacts “remained optimistic about the outlook,” according to the report.