Consumer Credit Update

For those inquiring minds that like annual comparisons, consumer credit increased from $2,627.4 billions in 2011 to $2,778.2 billions in 2012. This is 5.7% increase. Almost of all of this increase came from non-revolving credit(auto loans). Non-revolving credit increased from $1,780.1 billions in 2011 to $1,928.4 billions in 2012. This is a 8.3% increase. The revolving credit(credit cards) had a 0.3% increase from 2011 to 2012.  This is good news for the auto industry and bad news for everyone else selling to the consumer.

The Federal Reserve likes to estimate annual rates using quarterly results. It is a different way to look at the same problem. Here is their statement.

Consumer credit increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6-1/2 percent during the fourth quarter. Revolving credit was little changed, while non-revolving credit increased at an annual rate of 9-1/2 percent. In December, consumer credit increased at an annual rate of 6-1/4 percent.

Consumer Credit – G.19