WASHINGTON — While some cities have reported modest or stalled commercial real estate activity, overall, the landscape continues to be soft, according to the Federal Reserve Board's Beige Book.

Commercial real estate conditions varied in April and May, with some districts reporting that activity had softened, according to data reported by the 12 Federal Reserve districts. Leasing activity eased in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Richmond, and San Francisco. Minneapolis, however, reported that market activity was up modestly, while activity was mixed across the St. Louis district, the Fed reported. Vacancy rates edged higher in Boston, Kansas City, and San Francisco, as well as in pockets of the Richmond and St. Louis districts.

The Fed reported that absorption was negative in Boston and in Minneapolis for both office and manufacturing space. Overall rents were on the rise in New York, but were stable or beginning to slip in Boston, Philadelphia, Richmond, and Kansas City. Sales trended downward according to the New York, Philadelphia, and Kansas City districts.