The Central Bank of Peru reported that total credit to the private sector accelerated to 8.7 percent year on year in April from 7.2 percent in March. The measure, which includes loans granted by banks, finance companies, municipal and rural savings banks, and cooperatives, also rose 1.9 percent from the previous month, with outstanding balances reaching PEN 447.66 billion. By segment, credit to households grew 8.2 percent year on year in April, up from 7.6 percent in March, while credit to businesses increased 9.0 percent from 6.9 percent. On a monthly basis, household credit rose 1.1 percent to PEN 187.39 billion and business credit increased 2.5 percent to PEN 260.28 billion. By currency, sol-denominated credit accelerated to 7.4 percent year on year from 5.9 percent, and foreign-currency credit rose to 13.4 percent from 12.3 percent. Monthly growth was 1.9 percent in local currency and 1.8 percent in US dollar terms.