04:36 AM EDT, 07/21/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Banks in the euro area tightened their credit standards for companies, mortgages and consumer loans in the second quarter, the European Central Bank said Tuesday. The ECB's July bank lending survey showed that demand for loans from companies slightly increased amid higher demand for fixed investment and working capital. On the housing loans side, demand markedly declined in net terms, weighed down by weaker consumer confidence, interest rate changes and deteriorating housing market prospects. Meanwhile, consumer credit demand continued to decline, reflecting lower consumer confidence, muted spending on durables and changes in interest rates. Looking ahead, banks expect credit standards to tighten further for companies, housing loans and consumer credit in the third quarter.

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