Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Household Debt Pops Up

The Lehmann Letter (SM)
  
Yesterday the Federal Reserve released a very encouraging report on consumer borrowing:


Consumer credit grew by $255.6 billion in March at a seasonally adjusted annual rate. Take a look at the chart: This is far above the typical increase of approximately $100 billion. You will also notice considerable noise in the data. The numbers fluctuate sharply from month to month. But this is a good, strong report that should encourage optimism about consumer spending.

Consumer Credit

(Click on chart to enlarge)

(Recessions shaded)

Tomorrow's letter will look at new-vehicle sales. They rely heavily on consumer credit for their financing.

(To be fully informed visit http://www.beyourowneconomist.com/)

© 2012 Michael B. Lehmann


No comments: