Credit provided to the private sector stabilised in August to back the European Central Bank and economists' view of a gradual recovery in the euro zone.
Credit extended to the private sector grew at an annual rate of 5.5 per cent, the same rate as in July, ECB data showed today.
However, growth rates for securities other than equities as well as loans expanded in August. Loans rose slightly to 5 per cent from 4.9 per cent.
Economists say any pick-up in borrowing by the private sector signals that confidence is returning, encouraging businesses to invest and individuals to spend. Although credit growth has improved this year, progress has been slow.
Total loans and securities extended by financial institutions to euro area residents and governments in August grew to a 5.4 per cent annual rate before seasonal adjustment, after 5.3 per cent in July. Overall money supply growth slowed by more than expected from its recent historic highs.
M3, which measures money in circulation, in bank accounts and in short-term savings, grew at an 8.2 per cent seasonally adjusted annual rate in August compared with an upwardly revised 8.6 per cent in July.
The three-month average annual growth rate also slipped back somewhat to 8.4 per cent, from 8.5 per cent during May-July.