U.S. consumer credit grows more than expected in October

WASHINGTON: U.S. consumer credit rose in October at its fastest pace in five months, a positive sign for consumer spending in the fourth quarter.

Total consumer credit increased by $18.2 billion to $3.08 trillion, the Federal Reserve said on Friday.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected consumer credit to rise $14.5 billion in October. The Fed revised upward its estimate for credit growth in the prior month.

Revolving credit, which mostly measures credit-card use, climbed $4.3 billion. The central bank also said the decline in revolving credit registered in September was not nearly as sharp as previously estimated.

Nonrevolving credit, which includes auto loans as well as student loans made by the government, increased $13.9 billion in October, the Fed data showed.