Reports from the twelve Federal Reserve Districts generally indicated that economic activity continued to expand in September and early October.
Of course,
... Atlanta cited widespread hurricane-related disruptions. Many reports suggested that higher energy costs were constraining consumer and business spending.
You can read the real thing here, but there's plenty of spin out there if you want it. Take your pick.
Fed: High oil constrains spending (CNNmoney)
Beige Book shows growth, despite energy tab (CBS MarketWatch)
Fed's Beige Book: Economy Continues to Expand (SmartMoney.com)
Fed Survey Shows Energy Costs Slowed Growth, Boosted Prices (Bloomberg)