Most banks expect increase in biz lending

SEATTLE, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Eighty percent of U.S. banks exp;ect mid-market business lending to increase during the next year, the American Bankers Association said Wednesday.

The Mid-Market Lending Survey Report, co-sponsored by the ABA and CapitalStream of Seattle, shows banks expect lending to mid-market firms to rise at least 10 percent during the next 12 months.

"The economic environment is prime for increased commercial lending activity, and the mid-market is one of the fastest growing segments of the revived commercial lending market," said James Chessen, ABA's chief economist.

The majority of the growth is expected from commercial real estate, lines and term loans, which make up 90 percent of current loan origination volume. Ninety-four percent of respondents expect growth through direct lending. Sixty percent also expect growth in loan participation and loan syndication.

Mid-market businesses generate sales between $5 million and $75 million, or have credit limits between $500,000 and $15 million.

More than 100 bank executives were interviewed March through May of this year.