Q1 2018 Experian/Moody's Analytics Main Street Report

Document: Published May 8, 2018

The overall outlook for small-business credit is positive. Outstanding balances rose in the first quarter, as did the average balance outstanding per business. Delinquencies were down and default rates rose slightly, suggesting that credit conditions have peaked as the economy is in a late-cycle expansion. Continuing strength in the macroeconomy will keep small-business credit moving in the near term, along with higher profits from the recently passed tax legislation. Small-business credit will be less certain in the medium to long term as rising wages, interest rates and changes to the tax code take a toll.

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