Optimism is waning among U.S. businesses due to the government shutdown, trade disputes and a volatile stock market.<br />That's according to the U.S. Federal Reserve in its latest report called the 'beige book' released on Wednesday.<br />It states that although the U.S. economy continues to grow at a modest to moderate pace, some firms are pulling back on planned investments for 2019... while some regions have reported they've experienced a slowdown.<br />The report said tightening labor markets are the biggest challenge businesses currently face... as they struggle to find workers amid moderate increases in wages. <br />
