Via the AFR:
Analysis by The Australian Financial Review shows growth in bank loans of between $100,000 and $500,000 has been negative for the last three quarters, with growth in that loan segment down 0.5 per cent in the December quarter – the worst rate of annual growth for seven years.
Falling house prices, which make it harder for businesses to use their property as collateral, and more restrictive self-imposed lending restrictions by banks are the key factors behind such a slowdown.
