WASHINGTON — Consumer delinquencies rose slightly across most loan categories in the second quarter, according to the American Bankers Association (ABA). The trade group, however, noted that delinquencies remain significantly below their 15-year average.

The association’s composite ratio, which tracks delinquencies in eight closed-end installment loan categories, rose six basis points to 1.76 percent of all accounts in the second quarter. Despite this increase, the ratio is still 25 percent below the 15-year average of 2.36 percent.  

Bank card delinquencies remained virtually unchanged, according to the ABA — rising one basis point to 2.42 percent of all accounts in the second quarter, 37 percent below their 15-year average of 3.85 percent.

James Chessen, the ABA’s chief economist, attributed the slight uptick in delinquencies to a sluggish economy and a limit to how much consumers can improve their financial positions.

“A leveling off in delinquency rates was inevitable after a four-year downward trend that saw consumers reduce debt and dramatically improve their personal balance sheets,” Chessen said. “The good news is that delinquency rates remain near historical lows and are unlikely to spike in the near future.”

 The second quarter 2013 composite ratio is made up of the following eight closed-end loans (All figures are seasonally adjusted based upon the number of accounts):

Closed-End Loans

• Personal loan delinquencies rose from 1.82 percent to 1.94 percent.

• Direct auto loan delinquencies fell from 0.91 percent to 0.88 percent.

• Indirect auto loan delinquencies rose from 1.66 percent to 1.72 percent.

• Mobile home delinquencies rose from 3.92 percent to 3.96 percent.

• RV loan delinquencies held steady at 1.20 percent.

• Marine loan delinquencies rose from 1.50 percent to 1.55 percent.

• Property improvement loan delinquencies rose from 0.74 percent to 0.80 percent.

• Home equity loan delinquencies rose from 3.72 percent to 3.83 percent.

In addition, ABA tracks three open-end loan categories:

Open-End Loans

• Bank card delinquencies rose from 2.41 percent to 2.42 percent

• Home equity lines of credit delinquencies fell from 1.91 percent to 1.90 percent.

• Non-card revolving loan delinquencies rose from 1.19 percent to 1.58 percent.