Definition:
Each Federal Reserve Bank gathers anecdotal information on current economic conditions in its District through reports from Bank and Branch directors and interviews with key businessmen, economists, market experts, and other sources. The Beige Book summarizes this information by District and sector.
Importance:
The Fed uses this report, along with other indicators, to determine interest rate policy at FOMC meetings. These meetings are held two weeks after the Beige Book's release. If the Beige Book portrays inflationary pressure, the Fed may raise interest rates. Conversely, if the Beige Book portrays recessionary conditions, the Fed may lower interest rates.
Source:
Federal Reserve Board.
Availability:
It is released at
Frequency:
Eight times a year.
Revisions:
The data are not revised.
