01/03/2002

Credit card spending slows as mortgage demand grows

Consumer borrowing slowed in January due to more moderate credit card spending after Christmas.

Total lending to individuals, including mortgages, bank loans and credit card spending, grew by £6.9 billion in January, £200 million less than in December.

Credit card spending and overdraft borrowing expanded by £1.6 billion, down from £2.1 billion in December.

But mortgage demand remained strong, growing by £5.3 billion in January compared to just £4.9 billion in December.

The weaker figures follow a record rise in consumer borrowing in December, when total lending to individuals posted its biggest monthly increase since records began in 1993.

The sharp increase in borrowing that month sparked speculation that consumer credit growth was reaching unsustainable levels, provoking speculation that the Bank of England may raise interest rates early this year.

Credit card spending for January totalled £7.6 billion, just below £7.7 billion in debit card purchases. (GB)

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