Increases in Consumer Spending May Point to Better Economy
Increase in US Consumer Spending
Consumer borrowing in the United States had its highest increase in three years during the month of July. At the top of the list is the rise in non-revolving credit which consists of student loans.
According to the Federal Reserve, the increase in credit amounts to $12 billion after an amended rise of $11.3 billion in the month of June. In a Bloomberg news survey, economists predict a gain of $6 billion. The growth in the number of non-revolving loans was the highest since the month of November back in 2001.
There is a huge decline in revolving credit. This shows that Americans may not be purchasing non-essential materials because of the lack of consumer confidence as the rate of employment stays low and income growth continuously declines. Increase in job availability and income may be needed to push household spending as well as recovery.
The gain in July was the highest since April of 2008 according to the figures of the Fed. The approximation of 32 economists in the Bloomberg survey stated that the gains will be at $1 billion to $17 billion after reporting a previous increase to $15.5 billion in June. The report of the Fed does not include debts taken by real estate which comprise of lines of credit for residential mortgages and home equity.
Economic Outlook
Chief Rupkey, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd.’s chief financial economist said that the consumer is trapped in the middle of a hard position which is not beneficial for the economic outlook. The total credit increase showed a non-seasonally adjusted rise of to $385.7 billion from $15.6 billion in the borrowing category of the federal government including school loans. The unadjusted figures also reflected minimal increases in non-revolving borrowing at finance companies, commercial banks and credit unions which may show an improvement in vehicle sales in this month.
Americans increased car purchasing in July. The sales in vehicles rose to 12.2 million yearly for that month from 11.41 million according to the data of the industry.
In the economic survey of the Fed’s Beige Book, the economy is growing at a slower pace in several regions because shoppers are limiting their spending and factories are restricting production.