Bigger Borrowing

Outstanding household debt rose $193 billion in 17Q4 to a record $13.15 trillion, 67% of GDP, down from 87% of GDP at the peak in 2009. The delinquent share of total debt is 3.12%, down from 3.19% in 17Q3. Mortgage debt grew by $139 billion and now totals $8.88 trillion but remains 4.4% below the pre-recession high. Auto loan delinquencies are steadily rising; credit card delinquencies are starting to rise.