DJ ECB: Lending to companies accelerated somewhat in February
DOW JONES–The growth of lending to companies in the euro area accelerated slightly in February. According to a statement from the European Central Bank (ECB), lending to non-financial companies increased at an annual rate of 2.9 (January: 2.8) percent. Compared to the previous month, lending increased by 16 (0) billion euros.
Total lending in the euro area increased at an annual rate of 2.2 (2.4) percent. Lending to private individuals increased by 3.0 (3.1) percent and that to the state by 0.1 (0.9) percent. The volume of loans to private households increased at an annual rate of 3.0 (3.0) percent. The volume of loans for house purchases increased by 3.1 (3.0) percent, and that of consumer loans by 5.0 (5.1) percent.
The money supply M3, whose most important balance sheet counterpart is loans, increased at an annual rate of 3.0 (3.2) percent in February. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires had expected a rate of 3.4 percent. The annual growth rate of the narrower money supply M1 was 4.8 (5.2) percent. In addition to the cash in circulation, M1 includes sight deposits at banks.
Contact: hans.bentzien@dowjones.com
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 26, 2026 05:10 ET (09:10 GMT)
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