WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (TNSres) -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston issued the following Beige Book on Dec. 4, 2024: * * * Summary of Economic Activity Economic activity was down a bit on balance in this reporting period, driven in part by unusual weather patterns that delayed seasonal goods purchases. Prices increased at a slight pace. Employment held steady despite a slowdown in hiring demand, and wage increases were modest. Consumers held back on restaurant spending, leading to softer sales  more