District bankers indicate that the rural businesses are experiencing slightly higher profits than a year ago. Wages and Prices Labor markets remained tight last month in much of the district, with some limited evidence of wage pressures. Retailers report short supplies of entry-level and clerical workers, and manufacturers say skilled workers, such as engineers, were hard to find. A few companies say they raised wages more than normal to attract or retain workers, but many say wage increases were about normal. Prices held steady at the retail level but increased slightly for some manufacturing and construction materials.
Retailers expect no major price changes in coming months.
To comment on this site, please fill out our feedback form.