The current downward trend in credit balances growth came against the background of a slowdown in growth in secured credit balances, whereas the component of unsecured credit balances is contracting as a result of specific data distortions (see explanatory note).  

The value of household secured credit balances (R1 150,2 billion and 76,6 % of total household credit balances at end-February) increased by 2,1% y/y at the end of February, down from 4,1% y/y at end-February last year. The continued slowdown in growth in secured balances was the result of declining growth in household mortgage balances (see below), whereas instalment sales balances (21,4% of total household secured balances), contracted for the eight consecutive month up to end-February.  

The value of household unsecured credit balances (R351,5 billion and 23,4% of total household credit balances in February) contracted by 4,1% y/y up the end of February, with year-on-year growth on a declining trend since April last year as a result of data distortions. The component of general loans and advances balances (58% of total household unsecured credit balances and largely consisting of personal loans and micro finance) contracted by 8,5% y/y at end-February, mainly driven by developments related to African Bank (see explanatory note).  

The value of outstanding household mortgage balances (R900,6 billion and 78,3% of total household secured credit balances at end-February) showed growth of 2,8% y/y up to the end of February. The continued low and declining mortgage balances growth is the result of financial strain experienced by many households and a low level of consumer confidence.

The value of outstanding mortgage balances is the net result of all property transactions related to mortgage loans, including additional capital amounts paid into mortgage accounts and extra monthly payments above normal mortgage repayments.   

Against the background of trends in and the outlook for the economy, household finances and consumer confidence, growth in household credit balances, including mortgage balances, is expected to remain much subdued in 2017.