Brazil Credit Growth Slows in April

Brazil's total value of outstanding loans rose by 0.3% month-on-month to R$7.25 trillion in April 2026, following an upwardly revised 1% advance in the preceding month. Lending to households increased 0.6% to R$4.6 trillion, while corporate credit fell 0.1% to R$2.7 trillion. On a yearly basis, total credit grew 9.3%, down from 9.8% in March, with lending to companies rising 6.7% (vs 7.6% in March) and household credit increasing 10.8% (vs 11.1%). Credit with free resources totaled totaled R$4.1 trillion, slightly lower on the month but still up 7.1% year-on-year, with declines in corporate segments partially offset by gains in household credit.

Brazil's total outstanding loan stock rose 0.9% month-on-month in March 2026, reaching R$7.2 trillion. Total credit to companies and families grew 1.1% and 0.8% respectively, reaching R$2.7 trillion and R$4.5 trillion. Credit with free resources totaled R$4.1 trillion, up 1.1%. For legal entities, free resource credit hit R$1.6 trillion, driven by seasonal increases in discounting bills (8.5%), working capital under 365 days (9.1%), and sight credit cards (14.6%). Credit to individuals with free resources totaled R$2.5 trillion, up 1.1%, supported by sight credit cards (2.2%), private sector payroll credit (10.1%), and vehicle financing (0.8%). Directed credit grew 0.7% to R$3.1 trillion, with increases of 1.2% for companies and 0.5% for families. Year-on-year, credit to legal entities rose 7.6% and credit to individuals climbed 10.9%.

Brazil's total outstanding loan stock rose 0.4% month-over-month to R$7.1 trillion in February 2026, with household credit up 0.6% and business credit stable at respective balances of R$4.5 trillion and R$2.7 trillion. Free resources credit grew 0.1% monthly and 7.7% over 12 months, totaling R$4.1 trillion. Free credit to businesses fell 0.3% monthly but rose 0.9% annually, reaching R$1.6 trillion. Free credit to households grew 0.3% monthly and 12.6% annually, hitting R$2.5 trillion. Directed credit stock reached R$3.1 trillion, rising 0.8% monthly and 12.2% over 12 months. Directed credit to businesses climbed 0.6% monthly and 17.7% annually to R$1.1 trillion. Directed credit to households rose 0.9% monthly and 9.5% annually, reaching R$2.0 trillion. Over 12 months, credit growth slowed to 9.6% from 10.1% through January.