WASHINGTON (AP) ? U.S. consumers slashed their borrowing in August by the most in 16 months. The drop suggests many worried about taking on new debt while the economy slumped and the stock market fluctuated wildly.
Fewer people used their credit cards. And a measure of demand for auto and student loans fell.
Total borrowing dropped $9.5 billion in August, the Federal Reserve said Friday. In July, borrowing increase $11.9 billion.
Americans have been struggling all year with high unemployment, meager pay raises and pricier good and gas. That has depressed consumer spending, which fuels 70 percent of economic growth.
In August, consumer confidence tumbled to a two-year low, and retail sales were flat. The weak economy, along with gridlock in Washington and heightened concerns over Europe's debt crisis, rattled financial markets.
The August drop in borrowing was the largest since April 2010. Prior to that, consumers had increased their borrowing for 10 straight months.
Borrowing for auto and student loans plunged $7.2 billion in August. A category that includes credit cards fell $2.3 billion.
The overall decline lowered total borrowing to a seasonally adjusted $2.44 trillion. Borrowing is just 2.1 percent higher than the recent low hit in September of last year.Households began borrowing less and saving more when the country fell into recession and unemployment surged.
While economists believe borrowing will gradually increase in coming months, they don't expect consumers to load up on debt the way they did during the housing boom. Americans felt wealthier then and were more willing to take on added debt because of the soaring value of their homes.
The Federal Reserve's borrowing report covers auto loans, student loans and credit cards. It excludes mortgages, home equity loans and other loans tied to real estate.
Associated Presssteve smith weather san antonio weather san antonio jerry brown selena zsa zsa gabor giants
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.