News Summary: Fed says housing lifts growth

The Associated Press

REGIONS STRONGER: The Federal Reserve's survey of business conditions around the country found that stronger housing markets had given a boost to economic growth in nearly every region of the country at the end of the summer.

STUDY IN BEIGE: The survey of the Fed's 12 bank districts, known as the Beige Book, said that growth had improved in 10 of the 12 regions, with the exceptions being New York and Kansas City.

OCTOBER ORACLE: The survey will form the basis for discussion at the Fed's next meeting on Oct. 23-24. Most economists believe officials will keep policy unchanged then.