Tracking the Subprime Retreat

Finance sources responded to the recent uptick in delinquencies by moving upstream in the first quarter, pushing subprime lending to a 10-year low.
Finance sources responded to the recent uptick in delinquencies by moving upstream in the first quarter, pushing subprime lending to a 10-year low.
Reflecting the shift toward more creditworthy borrowers was the rise in average credit scores for both new- and used-vehicle loans. But the retreat from the high-risk tiers also comes during a quarter in which the average new-vehicle finance amount and monthly payment reached record highs.
According to the American Bankers Association, indirect auto loan delinquencies were one of the categories to show a decrease, while delinquencies in the direct auto loan space showed an increase.
Outstanding auto loan balances totaled $987 billion in the fourth quarter 2015, up 11.5% from the year-ago period and the highest level since Experian Automotive began publicly tracking the data in 2006.
Data from the second quarter didn't support talk of a subprime auto bubble, with subprime financing showing signs of leveling off and delinquencies remaining at historic lows.
While 60-day automotive loan delinquencies fell nationally, 22 states experienced increases. The sharpest increase occurred in Delaware, where delinquencies jumped by nearly 10%.
Delinquencies in the fourth quarter 2012 experience their first year-over-year increase since 2009, but they still remain below precession levels, Experian Automotive reports.
Like previous quarters, the third quarter saw finance sources continuing to delve deeper into the credit spectrum. But is this good for the industry?
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