Lending Boomed in 4Q, Early Data Says: Interactive Graphic

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Byline: Harry Terris

Preliminary data suggests bank lending surged in the fourth quarter, notwithstanding the perpetual train-wreck in Washington.

Commercial and industrial loan growth rebounded from two quarters of fading momentum to an annual rate of 15.5%, according to weekly reports published by the Federal Reserve. Total loans increased at a 5.2% pace, the fastest since the first quarter, and total assets jumped at an 11.1% rate. (The following graphic shows volume data for major balance sheet categories; interactive controls are described in the captions. Text continues below.)

The apparent spike in business lending comes as banks have been reporting …