Fed survey finds weaker exports hurting manufacturers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The economy was expanding in most of the country in January and February, helped by gains in consumer spending and home sales.

Consumer spending, the housing market and commercial construction continue to lead growth in early 2016.

The Fed's survey found that manufacturing was feeling the effects of the stronger dollar, which hurts U.S. export sales, and weakening global activity in key U.S. markets such as Europe and China.

The Fed approved its first rate hike in nearly a decade at its December meeting, choosing instead to wait and see how global market turbulence at the beginning of the year and weaker U.S. exports affect the overall economy.