Net 14% of lenders said demand for forint loans dropped and 15% reported a decline in demand for long-term loans as investment plans waned during the quarter. At the same time, 38% perceived a pick-up in demand for FX loans and 19% pointed to higher demand for short-term loans for inventory restocking.

Looking ahead, one-third of banks expect demand for FX loans and short-term loans to continue to grow in the coming six months. About one-quarter also expect increased demand for forint loans as interest rates ease.

Credit conditions for corporate lenders were “broadly unchanged” for all business size categories in Q2; however, 20% of respondents reduced spreads and fees on loans to small enterprises and microbusinesses.

Over the next half year, banks plan no changes to credit conditions for corporate borrowers.

The survey indicates a recovery in demand for home loans in Q2 would taper off in the second half of the year. Just 9% of lenders eased their credit standards for home loans in Q2, while 45% reduced their spreads to comply with a voluntary APR ceiling.

Net 58% of lenders said demand for consumer loans was up in Q2 and 81% augured a further increase over the coming six months.