Still, respondents characterize the new-car market as extremely competitive. Banking and Finance Lending activity in the District was good at the end of the year, according to District bankers. Growth in consumer loan demand is moderate overall, with strong gains in seasonal credit card use. The growth rate of delinquencies has leveled off somewhat, with some bankers reporting a drop in past-due loans. However, many bankers note a rise in household bankruptcies, which in some cases occur without experiencing credit delinquency.
Most respondents describe competition for borrowers as fierce.
The spread between lending and deposit rates has tightened as depositors continue to move savings into higher yielding money-market accounts. Some lenders report a tightening in credit standards for credit cards. To comment on this site, please fill out our feedback form.