21.   Earlier this week, a monthly survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta showed business at southeastern U.S. manufacturers improved in January.

22.   Earlier today, a monthly survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta reported manufacturers based in the Southeastern U.S. said their nationwide business remained sluggish in December.

23.   Elsewhere, a monthly housing survey provided further evidence of a slower economy.

24.   In another report issued Wednesday, the Atlanta Fed said its monthly survey of business activity showed a slower pace of growth in March compared with the previous month.

25.   In July, a strong increase in a monthly survey of retailers amounted to a confirmation of growing consumer confidence.

26.   It shows up today in the new monthly surveys.

27.   Manufacturers based in the Southeastern U.S. said growth in their nationwide business slowed in February, according to a monthly survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

28.   Manufacturers based in the Southeastern U.S. said their nationwide business picked up in March, according to a monthly survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

29.   Manufacturing activity slowed in several mid-Atlantic states last month as prices rose, according to a monthly survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

30.   Monthly surveys on retail sales, consumer confidence and manufacturing eased concern that inflation will accelerate later this year, traders said.