Assets: Liquidity and Credit Facilities: Loans: Primary Credit: Wednesday Level
WLCFLPCL • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
4,856.00
Year-over-Year Change
121.33%
Date Range
6/14/2006 - 8/6/2025
Summary
This economic indicator tracks the weekly level of primary credit loans extended by Federal Reserve Banks to eligible financial institutions. It provides insights into short-term lending conditions and potential financial system stress.
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
Primary credit represents a key lending mechanism for banks facing temporary liquidity challenges, serving as a critical component of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy toolkit. Economists closely monitor these loan levels as a barometer of banking system health and potential economic pressures.
Methodology
Data is collected weekly by Federal Reserve Banks, tracking the total dollar amount of primary credit loans extended to qualified depository institutions.
Historical Context
This metric helps policymakers assess banking system liquidity, potential financial sector risks, and overall monetary policy effectiveness.
Key Facts
- Primary credit is typically extended at a penalty rate above the federal funds rate
- Loans are typically very short-term and designed for fundamentally sound financial institutions
- The volume can indicate broader economic stress or stability in the banking sector
FAQs
Q: What is primary credit?
A: Primary credit is a lending program where Federal Reserve Banks provide short-term loans to financially sound depository institutions experiencing temporary liquidity needs.
Q: How often is this data updated?
A: The data is updated weekly, typically reflecting the lending levels on Wednesday of each week.
Q: Why do economists track primary credit levels?
A: These levels provide insights into banking system health, potential financial stress, and the effectiveness of monetary policy interventions.
Q: What determines eligibility for primary credit?
A: Eligible institutions must be in generally sound financial condition and able to repay the loan, with borrowing typically limited to very short-term needs.
Q: What are the limitations of this data?
A: The metric represents a snapshot of lending at a specific moment and should be analyzed alongside other financial and economic indicators for comprehensive insights.
Related Trends
Memorandum Items: Securities Lent to Dealers: Securities Lent to Dealers: Week Average
WSDEAL
Liabilities: Deposits: U.S. Treasury, Supplementary Financing Account
LDUSTSA
Liabilities and Capital: Liabilities: Reverse Repurchase Agreements: Wednesday Level
WLRRAL
Resources and Assets: Bills Discounted: Bills Discounted and Loans Not Specified
RABDLNS
Resources and Assets: Special Drawing Rights Certificate Account
RADRCA
Assets: Liquidity and Credit Facilities: Loans: Other Credit Extensions: Wednesday Level
WLCFOCEL
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Assets: Liquidity and Credit Facilities: Loans: Primary Credit: Wednesday Level [WLCFLPCL], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025