U.S. Consumer Credit Fell More Than Forecast in September
By Vincent Del Giudice


Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. consumer credit fell in September for an eighth straight month, the longest series of declines on record, as thousands of Americans lost their jobs and banks tightened access to loans.

Borrowing fell more than economists predicted, declining by $14.8 billion, or 7.2 percent at an annual rate, to $2.46 trillion, according to a Federal Reserve report released today in Washington. Credit dropped by $9.86 billion in August, less than previously estimated. The consecutive declines were the most since records began in 1943.

A labor market that kept losing jobs in October threatens to limit consumer spending, which accounts for about 70 percent of the world’s largest economy. More than 100 banks have failed this year, and lenders are requiring tougher conditions for the credit they extend to consumers and businesses.

“Consumers are ratcheting back their purchases of goods and services made with credit cards as mounting job losses have made them very cautious about what the future holds,” said Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at Bank of Tokyo- Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd. in New York, before the report. ............(more)

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