US consumer credit rose by $9.48bn in February. This was below expectations of $10bn.
The February consumer credit number came in below expectations, which indicates consumers are borrowing less. This is a potential early warning sign that consumer spending, a key engine of the economy, is beginning to slow down. We need to watch if this trend continues in the March and April data.
Consumer Credit Signals Softening Demand
This report reinforces the recent soft March retail sales figures, which fell by 0.4% according to the latest Commerce Department data. We saw a similar pattern in late 2025 when consumer fatigue began to set in after a period of restrictive interest rates. This combination of data points strengthens the case for a more cautious economic outlook for the second quarter.
In response, we should consider buying put options on consumer discretionary ETFs to protect against a slowdown in non-essential spending. For instance, the SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) has shown sensitivity to these trends in the past. This provides a direct hedge against the consumer weakness we are beginning to observe.
The CBOE Volatility Index, or VIX, is currently sitting near multi-month lows around 14, suggesting complacency in the market. This weaker economic data could be the catalyst that reintroduces volatility into the market. We can position for this by purchasing call options on the VIX with expirations in May or June.
Looking back, we saw during the second quarter of 2025 how a decline in revolving credit often preceded a softening in the jobs market by a couple of months. While the latest jobs report showed a solid 215,000 jobs added in March, we must now anticipate that this strength may not last. Any weakness in the upcoming jobs report will confirm our cautious stance.
Implications For Fed Policy And Rates
This data also shifts the odds for future Federal Reserve action, making an interest rate cut before the end of the third quarter more likely. Traders can use options on Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) futures to position for a more dovish policy path. A shift in Fed expectations would likely lead to a steeper yield curve and support bond prices.
