Credit unions with more than $500 million in assets were responsible for most of the loan growth in the first quarter.

That's according to analysis from Brian Turner, director and chief strategist at Catalyst Strategic Solutions, an investment subsidiary of Catalyst Corporate Credit Union in Plano, Texas.

Those larger credit unions account for 7% of the total number of credit unions, Turner wrote in his Aug. 16 analysis, citing NCUA data.

“The data suggests that the remaining 93% may have collectively experienced declines in loans outstanding,” Turner said.

He added, “The industry experienced a relatively unseasonal growth in loans during the first quarter, probably on pent-up demand and pressured-packed marketing campaigns.”

Going forward, Turner said it will also be important to monitor whether the unseasonal growth in the first quarter was from demand destined for later this summer or early fall and whether the growth experienced during the first half of the year is sustainable.

Meanwhile, consumer prices increased 0.2% in July with across-the-board gains including with gasoline, housing, clothing and food, Turner noted.

“Excluding the volatile, commodity-driven food and energy sector, core inflation also rose 0.2%,” Turner wrote.

The overall increase was less than what was experienced in June but unchanged regarding core prices, Turner said. In July, gasoline prices rose 1%, down from June's 6% gain, and food prices increased 0.1%, cutting in half June's increase.

For credit unions, changes in consumer prices have a two-pronged impact on member behavior and the state of the economy, Turner explained.

“First, obviously as prices increase, it has the capacity to dilute the member's household disposable income,” he said. “This can do one of two things – reduce their level of discretionary spending or turn to short-term credit resources to fund cash flow deficiencies in their budget.”

The latter has the propensity to enhance loan demand temporarily while the former moderates growth, Turner pointed out. Yet a certain level of inflation is needed for the economy to grow. Therefore, the ability to balance these is important, he added.

Instant Insights /

Large CUs Account for Bulk of 1st Quarter Loan Growth

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