17 Aug 2012

Business lending seen as picking up

7:31 am on 17 August 2012

There are more signs that business lending is picking up.

Credit services firm Veda says commercial enquiries have increased for the first time in five years, rising 7% in the three months to July compared with the same period a year ago.

Meanwhile, commercial credit defaults listed on files fell significantly in the same quarter, which Veda says indicates pressures are easing on firms.

On Wednesday, ASB Bank said business lending is increasing.

Separately, mortgage enquiries increased 44% in July, while credit inquiries increase by 9%.