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WASHINGTON (AP) - Economic growth held steady across the United States from July through late August, as Americans bought more cars and homes and auto factories added workers.
A Federal Reserve survey showed all 12 of the Fed's regional banking districts reported modest to moderate growth. That's roughly the same as the Fed's previous survey of those districts from late May through early July.
Attractive financing options helped boost demand for new cars and trucks in most districts, with many reporting robust sales.
The report said that job growth was steady and that hiring in manufacturing improved modestly, especially at auto and auto-parts factories. But the Kansas City and San Francisco districts said federal spending cuts had caused production cutbacks at some defense plants.
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