26.02.202609:00:00UTC+00Euro Zone Corporate Loan Growth Slows to 2.8% in January, Extending Downtrend

Loans to non-financial corporations in the Euro Zone continued to lose momentum at the start of 2026, with growth easing to 2.8% in January. This marks a slowdown from 3.0% recorded in December 2025, signaling a further cooling in corporate borrowing activity across the currency bloc.

The latest figure, updated on 26 February 2026, extends the recent downtrend in credit growth to businesses. While the change from December to January is modest, the continued deceleration may reflect a cautious stance among firms regarding new investments and financing, amid an environment shaped by evolving economic conditions and financial constraints.

The decline in the pace of loan growth to non-financial corporations will be closely watched by market participants and policymakers, as it can serve as a barometer of corporate confidence and underlying economic momentum in the Euro Zone at the outset of 2026.