US economy grows a bit faster in September, Fed says

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. economic growth picked up a bit as summer ended and fall began, supported by modest hiring, an uptick in consumer spending, and steady homebuilding, according to the Federal Reserve.

The mild improvement could encourage Fed policymakers to lift short-term interest rates by their December meeting.

The survey found that employers reported offering higher pay for many skilled workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, health care and information technology.

The Richmond district said businesses were struggling to find construction workers, hotel and restaurant staff, farm hands, engineers and managers.