Equifax's latestNational Credit Trends Reportindicates that the credit cycle has turned as new credit growth continues, with higher loan volumes on a 2011 year-to-date basis for multiple lending markets including: Automotive, Bankcard, Consumer Finance and Retail Card.

During the recession, the average dollar amount of individual delinquencies increased, but signs this is reversing are evident in both the auto and bankcard lending sectors.

The$370 billionin total new credit available from January-June 2011exceeds the January-June 2010total of$327 billionand the January-June 2009total of$338 billion.

"An artifact of the recession has been lower, more judicious new loan amounts, which are now easing in some instances," saidMichael Koukounas, Senior Vice President of Special Client Services for Equifax. "While lending generally continues to lag behind pre-recession levels, we are seeing some positive changes in loan totals and loan amounts among certain sectors."

Key Findings Year-Over-Year Include:

Auto

Auto lending continues to be one of the lending industry's bright spots, with new auto loan originations from January–June 2011 up 15 percent over the same period in 2010. Auto loan originations are now consistent with pre-recession levels.

Risk Scores

Consumers' payment behavior continues to improve, and as a result, the average Equifax Risk Score reached 696 forAugust 2011. This shift in consumer behavior is also confirmed in the latest data fromCreditForecast.com, a joint service of Equifax and Moody's Analytics, which reports that overall households have reduced debt loads by$1.1 trillionsinceOctober 2008.

Bankcard

• Total bankcard originations for January-June 2011are up 27 percent over the January-June 2010timeframe, continuing a sustained growth trend for the year.
• The number of bankcard delinquencies is declining to pre-recession levels, but the average size of bankcard delinquencies has increased from$3,025(August 2006) to$3,500(August 2011).

Student Loans

There has been an increase in the number of student loans originated among those aged 24 and older, with sustained three-year increases among the 30-39; 40-49; and 50-59-year-olds.

Home Equity

• While delinquency levels have peaked, shadow inventory still casts a shadow over economic recovery. As a result, home equity loans originated today generally reflect lower risk populations and smaller equity lines.
• Despite relaxed underwriting and growth in certain markets, the real estate sector continues to serve as the primary drag on the nation's recovery, however, underwriting for Home Equity Revolving lines show little sign of easing.

Equifax's national analysis is sourced from data on more than 585 million consumers and 81 million businesses worldwide. Conducted on a monthly basis, the research provides detailed levels of consumer credit information from various vertical markets including, mortgage, automotive, student loans and bank and retail credit cards.