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Carolinas Survey of Business Activity

September 25, 2025

Business activity in the Carolinas slowed in September, according to the most recent survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The general business conditions index decreased to −9 from 8 in September, and the corresponding expectations index fell from 6 to −3. The sales index was nearly unchanged while its corresponding expectations index dropped from 32 to 19.

The employment index decreased to −9 in September while the wages index fell to 12. Firms expected to increase wages over the near term, as the forward-looking wages index remained firmly in positive territory. Firms reported improvement in their ability to find workers with the desired skills and anticipated further improvement over the next six months.

Average year-over-year growth in prices paid increased in September, while growth in prices received was nearly unchanged. Firms expected growth in prices paid to moderate somewhat over the next 12 months.

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