ABA Reports Drop in Delinquencies

Claude R. Marx
January 13, 2010 | COMMENTS

Delinquencies fell in six of the eight loan categories measured by the American Bankers Association and the composite ratio fell 12 basis points to 3.23% of all accounts, according to data released by the group today.

The data, which covers the third quarter of 2009, also showed that bank card delinquencies fell 24 basis points, to 4.77% of all accounts.

Delinquencies decreased in these categories: Direct auto loans, 2.04%, compared with 2.46% in the previous quarter; indirect auto loans, 3.15%, down from 3.26%; marine loans, 2.28%, compared to 2.21%; personal loans, 3.74%; down from 3.90%,  property improvement loans, 1.66%, compared with 1.79%; and RV loans: 1.64%, compared with 1.72%.

Delinquencies increased to 4.30% from 4.01% in home equity lines and to 3.63% from 3.53% in mobile home loans.

“It's always a good sign when delinquencies decline, but they're still relatively high,” ABA Chief Economist James Chessen said in a statement. “Until the economy generates more jobs and the housing sector stabilizes, they're likely to stay that way.”

This article was originally published in Credit Union Times at www.cutimes.com and is reprinted with permission.