Credit Card Usage Decline Slows Consumer Credit Growth

U.S. consumer credit growth slowed for the second straight month in July as a key measure of credit card usage fell, indicating consumers might be growing more cautious.

The Federal Reserve reported Monday that consumer credit rose at a 4.4% annual rate in July, down from a 5% rate in June. Credit expanded by $10.4 billion during the month, missing analysts' expectations for a $12.5 billion gain.

Credit has been growing steadily since mid-2010 as the economy rebounded from the 2007-09 recession, a trend that has supported economic growth by allowing consumers to spend more on cars and education.

But the latest data also showed that Americans appeared to use their credit cards more sparingly in July, a potentially troubling sign for consumer spending. Revolving credit facilities, a measure that includes credit cards, declined by $1.8 billion. The overall increase in credit was driven by non-revolving facilities, which include auto loans as well as student loans made by the government. Non-revolving credit increased $12.3 billion during the month.

While the Fed does not provide seasonally adjusted data for student loans made by the government, year-over-year growth in that category of lending held firm in July.

Government-made student loans advanced about 21% from a year earlier, the same pace as in June. Twelve-month growth in the category has held just below 25% this year, which is substantial although well below the high of 81% clocked in September 2010.

Robust car sales also appear to be bolstering non-revolving loans. Auto sales have risen sharply this year and were near a post-recession high in July. In August, auto sales rose to their highest level since October 2007.

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