Loan demand from firms, local governments and households increased over the first three months of 2012, a senior loan officer opinion survey conducted by the Bank of Japan showed Friday.
The index for corporate fund demand came in at 6, up from -2 in the prior quarter. Likewise, demand for loans from local governments and households improved to 7 from zero.
While loan demand for large and small sized firms increased in the first quarter, it fell for medium-sized firms. The survey was carried out between March 9 and April 11, participating 50 banks.
Loan officers expect corporate loan demand to fall to 3 in the coming three months.
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