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DUBAI: Demand for business loans in the United Arab Emirates increased in the July-September quarter but demand for personal loans shrank, a central bank survey showed on Sunday.
The net balance measure for business lending - the weighted percentage of respondents reporting an increase in demand for loans minus those reporting a fall - rose to plus 14.0 in the quarter from plus 11.8 in the previous quarter.
For the current quarter, companies expect a further rise to plus 22.4, with demand anticipated to increase in all emirates.
However, demand for personal loans fell back into negative territory in the July-September quarter with a net balance measure of minus 9.6. The decline was most evident in Abu Dhabi.
(Reporting by Andrew Torchia; Editing by Adrian Croft) ((andrew.torchia@thomsonreuters.com; +9715 6681 7277; Reuters Messaging: andrew.torchia.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))