Most of U.S. regions reported continuing slow economic growth in January and early February, an evidence that the U.S. economy kicked off the new year on an upbeat note, showed a survey released by the Federal Reserve on Wednesday.

Overall U.S. economic activity continued to expand "at a modest to moderate pace in January and early February", the U.S. central bank said in its latest economic checkup of the local economy.

"Activity expanded at a moderate pace in the Cleveland, Chicago, Kansas City, Dallas, and San Francisco Districts. St. Louis noted a modest pace of growth and Minneapolis characterized the pace of growth as firm. Economic activity rose at a somewhat faster pace in the Philadelphia and Atlanta Districts, while the New York District noted a somewhat slower pace of expansion," noted the report.

Manufacturing continued to expand at a steady pace across the nation, with many districts reporting gains in new orders, shipments, or production and several districts indicating increases in capital spending, especially in auto-related industries.

Reports of consumer spending were generally positive. Residential real estate market conditions improved in most areas, with several reports of increased home sales and some reports of increased construction.

The survey, known as the Beige Book, was based on economic information supplied by the Fed's 12 regional banks and was released eight times each year to provide a snapshot of the local economy.