A slow but steadily improving economy could mean increased deposits for credit unions, but also falling delinquency and charge off rates, and increased loan demand, according to NCUA Chief Economist John Worth in the regulator's latest YouTube economic update video.

Worth said in the April report that consumer installment loan portfolios grew during the first two months of 2012, marking the first positive growth since late 2009. However, increases in crude oil and gas prices, as well as continued financial problems in Europe, provide risks of which credit unions should be aware, he said.

Worth also explained how credit unions can access key economic data, like unemployment rates and home prices, on the NCUA's website.

Data is available for all 50 states, and more than 400 metropolitan areas and can help credit unions make critical decisions about loss reserves. Worth demonstrates how credit unions can access the spreadsheets on the video.