GROWTH SLOWER: The Federal Reserve's latest regional survey found the U.S. economy expanded moderately in June and early July, but growth and hiring slowed in several parts of the country.
SLOW REGIONS: Three of the Fed's 12 banking districts — New York, Philadelphia and Cleveland — reported weaker growth and a fourth, Richmond, said economic activity was mixed.
OUTLOOK: The Fed's Beige Book survey echoed the gloomier outlook about the economy expressed by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke during two days of congressional testimony.
