U.S. economic activity was little changed in recent weeks, though employment was weaker in about half of the Federal Reserve's 12 districts and consumer spending declined, the U.S. central bank said on Wednesday, likely reinforcing concerns about labor market softening. "Economic activity was little changed since the previous report, according to most of the 12 Federal Reserve districts, though two districts noted a modest decline and one reported modest growth," the Fed said in its latest "Beige Book" report, a compendium of survey results, interviews, and other qualitative data from its 12 regional banks. ... (full story)