Total lending to individuals increased by £9.3 billion in March, compared to the average of £5.0 billion over the previous six months. The three-month annualised and twelve-month growth rates were 5.6% and 4.1% respectively. Lending secured on dwellings increased by £7.4 billion in March, compared to the average of £3.6 billion over the previous six months. The three-month annualised and twelve-month growth rates were 4.7% and 3.4% respectively. Gross lending secured on dwellings was £27.4 billion and repayments were £18.5 billion.
The number of loan approvals for house purchase was 71,357 in March, broadly in line with the average over the previous six months. The number of approvals for remortgaging was 41,347, compared to the average of 40,755 over the previous six months. The number of approvals for other purposes was 12,875, compared to the average of 12,267 over the previous six months.
Sterling is currently being traded few points above 1.4620 level. Pair is likely to find support around 1.4550 handle and resistance above 1.4660 level. Later today, in the US session, Chicago
PMI and Revised Consumer Sentiment figures will be published.