Sorry for the enigmatic data — I was trying to throw up a post quickly during a quickie lunch break. Thanks to those who helped clarify.
Interesting but possibly unrelated: an acquaintance complained that a major U.S. credit card issuer had suddenly doubled his interest rate (to 20%) despite a good credit rating, low outstanding balance, and excellent payment record. Isolated example of corporate greed, or a sign of a credit contraction? Makes me wonder.
