US Stock Market: Fed Beige Book signals improving economy as inflation eases, but fuel costs and tariffs remain risks

The US Federal Reserve's Beige Book reported that economic growth is expected to continue across most regions, with price growth either unchanged or slower than the previous period. Businesses highlighted ongoing concerns over fuel costs, Middle East tensions, and higher input costs from energy, transportation, raw materials, and tariffs. The labour market remained resilient without excessive wage pressures, and about half of Fed policymakers projected at least one additional rate hike before the end of 2026.