The current conditions reading held steady at 50 this month, equaling September’s index value and once again teetering on the line indicating expansion. One noteworthy change in the distribution of responses was a decline in the share of those who reported worse conditions in October compared to last month. Some panel members expressed lingering concerns about the political and policy environment as well as the general direction of the economy. Despite such reservations, other commenters pointed to steady or even improved activity in their business sectors.

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