Economic Pulse

The Federal Reserve releases its “beige book” regional economic survey, which summarizes data from its 12 U.S. districts. The Fed’s last beige book sent an optimistic but cautious message, reporting that the economy grew solidly in December and early January even though a few sectors lost some steam. And it said growth in 1999 is not expected to match that of ’98.

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America West Talks: America West Airlines flight attendants have warned they will strike some flights as early as this Saturday if they can’t reach agreement on a new labor contract with the ninth-largest U.S. airline. Further meetings between the sides will take place today through Friday in Washington at the National Mediation Board office, according to the Assn. of Flight Attendants. The union represents 2,300 members at the America West Holdings unit. The job action would involve workers’ sporadically failing to show up for flights.

Intel Settlement: The Federal Trade Commission is scheduled to announce approval and details of a settlement struck last week with Intel just before an antitrust trial against the chip maker was scheduled to begin.

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AOL-Netscape Vote: Netscape Communications shareholders meet to vote on a $4.2-billion takeover bid by America Online that would create an unparalleled presence on the Internet. The Justice Department has already approved the deal, making the Netscape vote the last step before the deal can be consummated.