FILE - This Wednesday, June 10, 2015, file photo shows a credit card in Philadelphia. On Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017, the Federal Reserve releases its August report on consumer borrowing. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
November 07, 2017 - 12:05 PM
WASHINGTON - American consumers increased their borrowing by $20.8 billion in September. It was the largest gain in 10 months and was led by a sharp increase in borrowing for auto and student loans.
The Federal Reserve says that September increase followed a gain of $13.8 billion in August and marks the largest monthly increase since a $24.5 billion jump in November 2016.
The category that covers auto and student loans rose by $14.4 billion, nearly double the $7.6 billion gain seen in August. The category that covers credit cards increased $6.4 billion, slightly better than the $5.5 billion August increase.
Consumer borrowing is closely watched for clues about the direction of consumer spending, which accounts for about 70 per cent of economic growth.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017