Last week's economic news was slim due to the Labor Day Holiday. Scheduled releases included the Fed's Beige Book Report and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Beige Book Cites Concerns Over U.S. Auto Industry Federal Reserve Board members shared anecdotes from their respective regions; of note were concerns about U.S. automakers. Auto production was more than 16 percent lower year-over-year in Cleveland, Ohio. Fed business contacts said that automakers are no longer seeking buildings for expanding production. Analysts said that slowing auto production and sales … [Read more...]