For the latest Federal Reserve H.8 reporting, banking industry loan growth weakening across industry.

Excluding seasonal credit card growth (would appear to be a good holiday season as credit card growth strong), loans at top 25 banks were actually estimated down from 4 weeks ago and up only 0.6% from one year ago. For Community Banks and all others, loans were up +2% annualized from 4 weeks ago and +7% growth from one year ago.

Is this a seasonal pause or sign of economic cycle slowdown? This expansion is heading into its 103rd month and nearing the second longest in U.S. history. 2018 results will provide answer.

On the deposit front, moderate growth (+4%) continued for both the top 25 banks and for Community Banks and all others. And all banks have lessened their use of borrowed funds at year-end approaches.

It is also noteworthy that the top 25 banks keep over 12 percent of their assets in cash balances compared to only 7 percent for Community Banks and others. This relates to the Liquidity Coverage Ratio that large banks must meet. 

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