by Laura Conaway

The Federal Reserve is ready to put the skip back in your step, America. Its latest survey of the 12 Federal Reserve Districts, known as the Beige Book, concludes that the economy is either stabilizing or getting better in most of the country.

All but one district, St. Louis, said the economy was at least stable. In St. Louis, central bankers report the pace of decline is "moderating." Businesses across the nation are "cautiously positive," the Fed says.

Again, we're seeing stronger signals of optimism from businesses than from individuals. AP notes that analysts think the economy is now growing at an annualized rate of three or four percent. From AP:

Most of that growth should come from more spending from businesses, which had slashed investments — often by double-digits — during the recession.

Consumer spending, however, is expected to turn up only because of the binge-buying of automobiles generated by the short-lived Cash-for-Clunkers program.

Consumer spending is still down, as is commercial real estate and lending.