This WSJ article highlights the acceleration in U.S. bank lending, which had curiously slowed the last couple of years despite solid economic fundamentals. Reasons for the deceleration included political uncertainty leading up to and after the Presidential election, as well as uncertainty regarding healthcare and tax reform. Now with some more clarity around these issues companies are borrowing at a greater rate, a likely positive for economic growth. However, global trade tensions could slow this loan growth just as it is picking up again.
