Fed: Banks Eased Credit Standards in 1Q

U.S. banks modestly eased lending standards and noticed stronger demand in the first three months of the year, the Federal Reserve said Monday in modestly positive signs that businesses and consumers may be coming out of their shells.

Banks noted increased demand for loans from companies of all sizes, the Fed said in its Senior

Loan Officer Survey. They also reported some strengthening in demand for home mortgages. (Reporting By Mark Felsenthal; Editing by Neil Stempleman)