Updated
Updated · abfjournal.com · Aug 17
US Banks Cut C&I Loans 1.1% in July as NDFI Lending Jumps 20.4%
Updated
Updated · abfjournal.com · Aug 17

US Banks Cut C&I Loans 1.1% in July as NDFI Lending Jumps 20.4%

1 articles · Updated · abfjournal.com · Aug 17

Summary

  • Commercial and industrial loans at US banks fell to $2.92 trillion in July, contracting at a 1.1% seasonally adjusted annual rate after growing 14.2% in the second quarter.
  • Federal Reserve H.8 data showed the pullback came as lending to nondepository financial institutions climbed to $2.02 trillion, up 20.4% from a year earlier, suggesting banks are channeling more capital to private credit vehicles.
  • That shift contrasted with a busy secured-lending week: CB&I expanded its facility to $625 million, while Radiant Logistics, Superior Group and TWFG refinanced or extended bank facilities on borrower-friendly terms out to 2031.
  • Cooling July inflation and a Fed funds range held at 3.50%-3.75% helped keep the refinancing window open, with futures markets pricing a 64% chance the Fed stays on hold in September.
  • The broader read-through is a bifurcated credit market in which direct bank lending to operating companies is shrinking even as banks support the funds competing for those same middle-market borrowers.

Insights

Why are major banks quietly funneling billions into private credit funds instead of directly lending to operating companies?
What hidden covenants are borrowers accepting to secure massive 2031 maturity extensions in today's strictly bifurcated credit market?
As West Marine's 2026 bankruptcy wipes out previous recapitalizations, which struggling midmarket borrower is next to face the collateral guillotine?