Total Consumer Credit Owned by Finance Companies, Flow
FLTOTALFC • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
-2,235.37
Year-over-Year Change
207.77%
Date Range
2/1/1943 - 6/1/2025
Summary
This economic indicator tracks the flow of consumer credit owned by finance companies, representing the net change in consumer credit extended by these specialized lenders. It provides insights into consumer borrowing patterns and the overall health of consumer credit markets.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
The trend measures the quarterly or annual net change in consumer credit held by finance companies, which includes personal loans, auto loans, and other consumer financing. Economists use this metric to assess consumer spending capacity, financial sector health, and potential economic momentum.
Methodology
Data is collected through comprehensive surveys and reporting requirements from finance companies, aggregated and reported by the Federal Reserve's statistical divisions.
Historical Context
Policymakers and financial analysts use this trend to evaluate consumer financial behavior, potential credit market risks, and broader economic conditions.
Key Facts
- Represents net new credit extended by specialized finance companies
- Includes various consumer loan types beyond traditional bank lending
- Serves as a leading indicator of consumer financial health and spending potential
FAQs
Q: What types of loans are included in this metric?
A: The metric includes personal loans, auto loans, and other consumer financing products offered by specialized finance companies.
Q: How does this differ from total consumer credit?
A: This specifically tracks credit owned by finance companies, excluding bank and credit union lending.
Q: How frequently is this data updated?
A: The Federal Reserve typically updates this data quarterly, providing a current snapshot of consumer credit trends.
Q: Why do economists find this trend important?
A: It offers insights into consumer borrowing capacity, spending potential, and overall economic momentum.
Q: What are potential limitations of this data?
A: The metric may not capture all consumer credit activities and can be influenced by seasonal and economic fluctuations.
Related Trends
Revolving Consumer Credit Owned by Finance Companies, Flow
FLREVOLNFC
Total Securitized Consumer Credit, Flow
FLTOTALSEC
Nonrevolving Consumer Credit Owned by Nonprofit and Educational Institutions
NREVNEI
Nonrevolving Consumer Credit Owned by Federal Government, Flow
FLNREVNGOV
Total Consumer Credit Securitized by Depository Institutions, Flow
DTCNLHDXDFBANM
Revolving Consumer Credit Owned by Finance Companies
REVOLNFC
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Total Consumer Credit Owned by Finance Companies, Flow [FLTOTALFC], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025