Federal Reserve Wednesday published its “Beige Book”, suggesting that the U.S. economy and hiring have grown moderately in 10 of its 12 bank districts from April 3 through May 25. Contrast to the government’s job report last week, Federal Reserve gives mostly positive signals.

New York, Cleveland, Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Dallas, and San Francisco Districts reported moderate pace growth; Richmond, St. Louis, and Minneapolis Districts reported modest growth; Boston reported steady growth; Philadelphia District reported that the pace of expansion had slowed slightly since last Beige Book.

According to the survey, home sales and manufacturing improved in most areas, making a positive influence on residential and commercial construction. Auto sales and its related industries were also strong in most districts. New York district’s report showed that small and medium-sized banks got the most international increase in loan demand ever since the mid-1990s. More loan demand implies expansion plans in businesses, which would lead to growth in economy and hiring.

Beige Book also pointed out some weakness in this period of U.S. economy, such as consumer spending, which makes up 70 percent of American economic activity, was increased only slightly, or even flat, in almost all 12 districts. Little pay raises could be one reason of dampen consumer spending, which is not expected to get any better in the coming months.

The Fed survey noted that wage pressures increased from the prior survey, but remained relatively low. Companies felt that they met a hard period of finding some types of positions, such as sales, mechanics, drivers, skilled workers, housekeeping, and engineers.