Atlanta Fed president expresses optimism despite economic uncertainty

President and CEO for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Raphael Bostic says changing trade policy and rising tariff rates are a major driver of uncertainty in the economy and labor market. (Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta/Eilis Garvey/Engin Akyurt/Eric Prouzet)

The latest quarterly economic report for the southeastern United States shows a slight economic decline.

The Sixth District of the Federal Reserve includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

According to the report, the region is experiencing price increases, a cooling job market, a slowdown in consumer spending and travel, plus rising requests for food assistance.