The U.S. economy is showing stronger growth in October and early November, although employment growth remains elusive, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday in its latest Beige Book report.

The so-called Beige Book is a summary of economic activity prepared for use at the central bank’s next Federal Open Market Committee meeting on December 9.

“Reports received from the district banks suggest that the economy continued to expand in October and early November,” the Fed said.

Economic improvements in the 12 districts appear to be “reasonably broadly based,” with most noting growth in a number of industries, the Fed said.

“Labor markets across the nation generally improved or remained stable, with several districts noting a slowing in layoffs,” the Fed said.

The Boston, Richmond, Minneapolis and Chicago districts noted greater demand for temporary workers. Firms are waiting for sustained increases in orders before hiring permanent workers, several districts said.

Eleven of the 12 regional Fed districts reported faster growth, except the Atlanta district, which said the pace of economic growth was “stable” in October and early November.

Most districts noted that retail spending was up on a year-over-year basis, with retailers “generally positive” about holiday sales, the Fed said.

Manufacturing activity picked up in most districts, but factory job growth remained weak, the Fed said.

Wages and prices of finished goods remained “fairly stable,” but some increases in input prices were noted. Virtually all districts continued to report concerns about rising health-care costs, the Fed said.

On a positive note, New York reported that bonuses in the securities industry are expected to be 20% higher than last year.