by Calculated Risk on 10/07/2010 03:19:00 PM
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Consumer Credit declines in August
The Federal Reserve reports:
In August, total consumer credit decreased at an annual rate of 1-3/4 percent. Revolving credit decreased at an annual rate of 7-1/4 percent, and [Non] revolving credit increased at an annual rate of 1-1/4 percent.

This graph shows the increase in consumer credit since 1978. The amounts are nominal (not inflation adjusted).
Revolving credit (credit card debt) is off 15.2% from the peak. Non-revolving debt (auto, furniture, and other loans) is off 1.1% from the peak. Note: Consumer credit does not include real estate debt. This has been very different from previous recessions with the decline in non-revolving debt.