(Continued from page 17)

Michigan and parts of Illinois and Indiana):
• Manufacturing output and construction rose. Consumer spending on necessities increased, while spending on large items such as furniture, appliances and electronics decreased. Auto and steel manufacturing were sources of strength. Steel factories were operating at their highest levels of capacity since the end of the recession.
• ST. LOUIS (Includes Missouri, Arkansas and Kentucky, and parts of Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee and Mississippi):
• Growth continued at a modest pace. Home sales increased compared to the same period a year earlier. They rose 13 percent in Louisville, Ky. compared to a year ago, 20 percent in Memphis, Tenn. and 18 percent in St. Louis. Home construction also rose. Many crops were planted ahead of schedule, partly because of

mild weather.
• MINNEAPOLIS (includes Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin and Michigan):
• The economy grew at a modest pace. Several companies reported big job gains. Oil and gas exploration increased in North Dakota and Montana since the winter. Manufacturers reported problems with finding welders.
• KANSAS CITY (includes Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and parts of Missouri and New Mex

(Continued on page 19)