Beige Book

Importance: Medium.
Published by: Federal Reserve Board
Frequency: Two Wednesdays before every FOMC meeting, 8 times per year
Release Time: 2PM ET
Web: http://www.federalreserve.gov/frbindex.htm
Revisions: None.

Commonly known as the Beige Book, the Summary of Commentary on Current Economic Conditions by Federal Reserve District is prepared prior to scheduled meetings of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).

Each Federal Reserve Bank gathers anecdotal information on current economic conditions in its District through reports from Bank and Branch directors and interviews with key business contacts, economists, market experts, and other sources. The Beige Book summarizes this information by District and sector. An overall summary of the twelve district reports is prepared by a designated Federal Reserve Bank on a rotating basis.

Calendar of Releases: http://www.federalreserve.gov/FOMC/BeigeBook/2003/