The consumer credit data tracks debt levels for auto financing and commercial banking credit, including installment and credit card borrowings. Consumer credit trends are considered a fairly good indicator of consumer spending. For example, a trend of increasing consumer debt suggests strong consumer demand and vice-versa.
Economists consider it to be a poor tool for forecasting consumer sentiment trends.
The installment credit data is fairly stable, subject to very little revision. However, auto financing is volatile at times. It is best to look at several months' data for trends. The consumer credit report is considered dated material and of only minor consequence to the bond market. The Mortgage Mart is sponsored by Irwin Mortgage Copyright 1995-98, The Mortgage Mart.