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ico):
• The economy improved moderately. Retailers and restaurants are reporting higher sales. Farmland values continued to climb. Businesses sought more loans. Drilling for natural gas is slowing because there is too much supply and not much room to store it.
• DALLAS (includes Texas and parts of New Mexico and Louisiana):
• Growth in the energy sector remained strong, and home sales continued to improve. Hiring rose slightly. Many companies expressed concern about uncertainty surrounding future U.S. tax and budget policies, and about the European financial crisis. High-tech manufacturers said orders are still growing.
• SAN FRANCISCO (includes California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada,

Utah, Arizona, Hawaii and Alaska):
• Economic activity grew at a moderate pace. Auto sales rose. Demand for semiconductor chips increased. Radio and television broadcasters reported healthier advertising sales. Tourism improved in Nevada, Hawaii and Southern California.
•

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