Member business loans at credit unions in Ohio are in high demand just as mortgage loans have spiraled down.
The trend mirrors what has been happening within the industry nationwide. Ninety-four of Ohio's 390 credit unions reported outstanding business loan balances, representing a total of $371 million, which was a 13.3% increase from last June, according to the Ohio Credit Union League Quarterly Performance Summary for the second quarter.
Thanks to the spike in small business lending, loan balance growth remains positive, but it has continued to slow from what was reported at the end of 2009, the league reported. Mortgage originations were down 43% from June 2009 to June 2010, originating $539 million while first mortgages outstanding grew 4.2% to $4 billion. Used auto loan balances increased 6% from June 2009 to June 2010, as new auto balances actually fell 8.4% during the 12 months. The Ohio credit union market share in the auto lending market fell nearly 7% to 12% from June 2009.
Meanwhile, for the sixth consecutive quarter, membership growth at Ohio credit unions was positive netting 9,148 new members from June 2009 to June 2010, according to the league. The average member relationship is up to $11,375 in June, a 4% increase from June 2009. Member relationship is defined as the outstanding combined loan and share balances per member.
"These trends echo what we are hearing on Main Street, which is that every dollar counts," said Paul Mercer, OCUL president. "Consumers are turning away from profit-driven, high-fee financial services, and are returning to local, community-based financial institutions whose main goal is to provide them with affordable products and real solutions."
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