Fed Reports Modest Growth as Firms Voice Doubt on Recovery

The Federal Reserve said consumer spending rose slightly last month and the economy maintained its expansion, even as companies reported more doubt about the strength of the recovery.

“Overall economic activity continued to expand in September, although many districts described the pace of growth as ‘modest’ or ‘slight,’” the Fed said in its Beige Book survey released today in Washington. “Contacts generally noted weaker or less certain outlooks for business conditions.”