Fed Survey Shows Slowing Economy

The Federal Reserve's regional business survey—released today, ahead of chief Ben Bernanke's appearance tomorrow before Congress—shows economic activity increasing more slowly, thanks to "disappointing" holiday sales. Some analysts think the survey—nicknamed the Beige Book—is evidence for a general economic slowdown, reports Bloomberg. "We are pretty much on the knife's edge'' of a recession, says one economist.

"Most reports on retail activity indicated subdued holiday spending and further weakness in auto sales," the survey reads. Fed officials will meet Jan. 29-30, and Bernanke has already signaled willingness for more rate cuts, which he has said may "well be necessary." Many analysts predict a cut of half a percentage point, to 3.75%, Bloomberg writes. (More Federal Reserve stories.)