CUNA Mutal Group: Credit unions experience fastest loan growth in their history

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Latest CUNA Mutual Group Report Highlights $10.2 Billion in Loans added by Credit Unions

Membership Growth Hits Fastest Rate in Two Decades

MADISON, Wis. – Credit union members continue to show signs of economic health and confidence in the latest Credit Union Trends Report1from CUNA Mutual Group, the leading provider of lending, insurance and wealth management products for credit unions.

Credit unions added $10.2 billion in loans to their balance sheet in June – the fastest growth in credit union history. Consumer installment credit loan balances (auto, credit card, and other unsecured loans) rose at the fastest pace since September 2009: 13.7% during the 12 months ending in June, helping to pull the overall loan growth average to 10.9% for the year.

Credit union savings balances also improved. Savings balances rose 4.4% during the first half of 2015, compared to a 3.3% rise during the same period in 2014.

“Although the stock market has encountered a period of heightened volatility over the past several weeks, the fundamentals of the middle market economy have continued to improve based on what we’re seeing from credit union members,” said Steven Rick, Chief Economist, CUNA Mutual Group. “Credit union performance is a key barometer of the economic health of the hardworking American, and the strong growth in loans and savings tells us these consumers are feeling increasingly better about their financial outlook.”

The CUNA Mutual Group report included a number of additional key growth points for credit unions:

· Membership: Credit union membership grew at a robust pace. Memberships rose by 440,000, the highest monthly growth rate since July 2013 (0.43%). Total credit union memberships are now 103 million, which is 32.5% of the U.S. population. Memberships are up 3.3% over the past year due to rapid job creation and strong demand for new and used auto loans – the fastest growth rate in more than 20 years.

· Auto Loans: New auto loan balances rose 2.0% in June, the fastest monthly pace so far this year.

The full CUNA Mutual Group report can be found here.

About CUNA Mutual Group:
CUNA Mutual Group was founded in 1935 by credit union pioneers, and our commitment to their vision continues today. We offer insurance and protection for credit unions, employees and members; lending solutions and marketing programs; TruStage™ – branded consumer insurance products; and investment and retirement services to help our customers succeed. More information is available on the company’s website at www.cunamutual.com.

CUNA Mutual Group is the marketing name for CUNA Mutual Holding Company, a mutual insurance holding company, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Life, accident, health and annuity insurance products are issued by CMFG Life Insurance Company and MEMBERS Life Insurance Company. Property and casualty insurance products are issued by CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc. Each insurer is solely responsible for the financial obligations under the policies and contracts it issues. Corporate headquarters are located in Madison, Wis.