US economy 'deteriorates further'

US economic conditions got worse in January and February, the Federal Reserve has said in its influential Beige Book.

The report, which is used to help determine US interest rates, also said that improvement was not expected before late 2009 or early 2010.

"The deterioration was broad-based, with only a few sectors... appearing to be exceptions," it said.

The Fed called the prospects for near-term economic improvement "poor"

The bank said housing markets remained "in the doldrums" in most US regions.

The report, based on information collected before 23 February, will be used at the forthcoming meeting of Federal Reserve policymakers in two weeks.

'Steep declines'

"Consumer spending remained sluggish on net, although many districts noted some improvement in January and February compared with a dismal holiday spending season," the Beige Book said.

In manufacturing, reports from most areas "suggested steep declines in activity in some sectors and pronounced declines overall".

"Reports from banks and other financial institutions indicated further drops in business loan demand, a slight deterioration in credit quality for businesses and households, and continued tight credit availability," the Federal Reserve said.

It was reported last week that the US economy had shrunk at an annual rate of 6.2% in the last three months of 2008 official figures show, a far sharper fall than previously reported.

On Tuesday Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke warned of stagnation if the US authorities do not move "aggressively" to stimulate the economy.

He told the Senate Budget Committee that stabilising financial markets would be crucial for economic recovery.