Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, August 10, 1995                   TAG: 9508100054
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: B-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FED'S 5TH DISTRICT STEADY DESPITE ACTIVITY DECREASE

The rate of overall economic expansion in the Federal Reserve's Fifth District held steady in late June and July despite declines in several key employment sectors, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond reported.

For its section of the Fed's beige book report, the district that includes Virginia, the Carolinas and part of West Virginia, the bank reported declines in retailing, manufacturing and both commercial and residential real estate.

Service-sector activity increased, and the demand for temporary workers was higher than a year ago, the report said.

Wages for temporary workers accelerated in the Richmond district, while ``upward pressure'' on wages for entry- level workers continued.

Despite adverse weather and floods, agricultural conditions remained good. Hurt were tobacco crops and poultry.

- Staff report