The U.S. Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book reveals that most districts reported modest expansion in economic activity since the last issue, but several noted some slowing.

New York characterized growth as well-maintained but with a few signs of deceleration, it noted. In addition, the report indicated that St. Louis said that activity increased more slowly than in the previous period, Boston reported some softening, and Dallas said economic activity continued to decelerate. On the other hand, Philadelphia reported economic conditions improved slightly.

The majority of districts reported steady growth in retail sales, while vehicle sales remained sluggish, the Beige Book reported. “Tourism activity was generally positive, and the demand for services continued to expand in most districts, with strong increases in health-care, accounting, legal, and technology services,” it said.

Manufacturing activity was steady or expanding, despite continued weakness in production related to the construction and auto industries. “Almost all districts reported that housing markets remained weak, but signs of stabilization were noted in several districts,” it added. In contrast to the housing sector, commercial real estate markets continued to firm or remained solid.

Lending activity remained mostly unchanged from recent periods as increasing demand for commercial and industrial loans continued to offset declines in residential mortgage lending, it said.

Also, agricultural conditions generally improved across the country. Energy production and exploration remained at high levels, but some districts reported a slowdown from the previous survey.

Most districts noted further expansion in labor markets and continued tight supply of skilled and professional workers. “With rising demand for many types of workers, wage pressures increased slightly in several districts, although pay increases generally remained moderate overall. Most districts characterized price pressures as little changed,” it said. “Energy and construction-related materials prices fell, but food input costs increased in several districts.”