According to a Federal Reserve survey on Monday, U.S. banks have seen a strengthening demand for business loans in the fourth quarter. The net share of banks reporting an increase has turned positive for the first time in two years. The survey showed that there was a rise in the net share of banks reporting stronger demand for commercial and industrial loans from both large and medium-sized businesses, reaching 9.4%, as well as from small firms, reaching 3.4%. Additionally, banks have also tightened standards for these types of loans. (Reporting by Ann Saphir; Editing by Chris Reese)
