The Federal Reserve released its assessment of the U.S. economy from October through November. Growth was characterized as moderate in most counties, the main reason being supply difficulties. The agency's comments were cited in the Beige Book. The regulator said some counties saw strong demand, but supply problems and a shortage of workers acted as constraints on economic development. Consumer spending growth in the period under review was also modest, with sales of certain categories of goods limited by their insufficient quantity (this applies mainly to cars). Recreation and hotel business were successful, and the energy sector was also growing actively. Employment rose, but there was a shortage of labor, and companies had difficulty retaining staff. Prices rose in most industries, driven by higher prices for raw materials and the aforementioned factors of labor shortages and supply disruptions.