US consumer borrowing climbed in November by more than forecast as credit-card balances increased by the most in three months.
Total credit rose $28 billion from the prior month, Federal Reserve figures showed Monday. The median forecast in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for a $25 billion advance. The figures aren’t adjusted for inflation.
Revolving credit outstanding, which includes credit cards, rose $16.5 billion. Non-revolving credit, such as loans for school tuition and vehicle purchases, increased $11.5 billion, the smallest advance since the start of last year.
While inflation is beginning to ease, it remains extremely elevated and continues to weigh on households. A December survey by the Census Bureau showed Americans are increasingly relying on credit cards to cover daily expenses.
Meantime, rising borrowing costs, the Fed’s main tool to fight inflation, has made buying homes and cars less affordable.
Written by: Reade Pickert @Bloomberg.com
The post “US Consumer Borrowing Tops Forecast on Higher Credit-Card Balances” first appeared on Bloomberg.com
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