Noting that loan growth is typically slow the first few months of the year, Hampel predicted slack or negative growth for the next few months, before demand picks up around May. He predicted loan growth, which was negative 1.4% for last year–the worst performance in three decades-- to rise gradually and reach 4% to 5% for the year and household debt falls and the economy begins to grow.
MADISON, Wis. – Loan demand for credit unions declined again in February for the sixth month in a row and has fallen more than 2.2% over the past year, CUNA reported this morning.
The unprecedented drop in lending comes as consumers continue to work to pay down record household debt, dampening loan demand for credit unions and banks alike, according to Bill Hampel, chief economist for CUNA.
“Loans are down 1% for the (first two months of the) year. That’s a really, really weak performance,” said Hampel.
Small growth in mortgage lending for February was countered by declines in lending for home equity, new and used autos, credit cards and personal credit.
Noting that loan growth is typically slow the first few months of the year, Hampel predicted slack or negative growth for the next few months, before demand picks up around May. He predicted loan growth, which was negative 1.4% for last year–the worst performance in three decades-- to rise gradually and reach 4% to 5% for the year and household debt falls and the economy begins to grow.
