Halbjahreszahlen: Konsum auf Pump treibt Wachstum der Kreditbanken

Deutschland's credit institutions issued a significant amount of new loans in the first half of the year, primarily to consumers for spending sprees. The total lending volume increased by 4.1% to 76 billion euros compared to the previous year, according to the Credit Banking Association (formerly Bankers' Association). Consumer financing rose by 3.7% to 34.3 billion euros, mainly fueled by auto financing.

However, investment from businesses continued to lag behind, with new loans for machinery, vehicles, or specialized technology falling by 1.5% to 7.3 billion euros. Jens Loa, the association's managing director, noted that the economic recovery is underway. The key is for policymakers to improve investment conditions for businesses in the long term: "This includes reliable frameworks and fewer unnecessary regulatory burdens."

The Credit Banking Association consists of 47 member institutions specializing in consumer financing, investment financing, and auto financing services. As of June end, the credit institutions had extended 242.6 billion euros in loans to consumers and businesses.