Eurozone Household Lending Grows the Most in 2-1/2-Years

Bank lending to households in the Eurozone rose 3% year-on-year to €7.194 trillion in April 2026, as expected. Lending to businesses increased to 3.4% in April from 3.2%. Combined, overall credit growth to the private sector, covering both households and non-financial corporations, stood at 3.5% in April, unchanged from the previous month.

Bank lending to households in the Eurozone rose 3% year-on-year to €7.189 trillion in March 2026, but slightly below market expectations of 3.1%. Credit demand continues to grow at the fastest pace since early 2023 supported by the European Central Bank’s recent policy easing. Lending to businesses increased to 3.2% in March from 3%. Combined, overall credit growth to the private sector, covering both households and non-financial corporations, increased to 3.5% from 3% in the previous month.

Bank lending to households in the Eurozone rose 3% year-on-year to €7.175 trillion in February 2026, below market expectations of 3.1%. The increase reflects a continued recovery in credit demand, supported by the European Central Bank’s recent policy easing. Lending to businesses increased to 2.9% in February from 2.8%. Combined, overall credit growth to the private sector, covering both households and non-financial corporations, stood at 3.3%, compared with 3.4% in the previous month.