A combination of economic conditions from each of the 12 Federal Reserve regional districts. Truthfully, the report is aptly named the Beige Book due to the colour of its cover. This report is released usually two weeks before the monetary policy meetings of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings.

This report on economic conditions is used at FOMC meetings, where the Fed sets interest rate policy. These meetings occur roughly every six weeks and are where the Fed usually sets interest rate changes.

If the Beige Book portrays an overheating economy or inflationary pressures, the Fed may be more inclined to raise interest rates in order to moderate the economic pace. Conversely, if the Beige Book portrays economic difficulties or recessionary conditions, the Fed may see the need to lower interest rates in order to stimulate activity.