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Pace of consumer borrowing slows

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From Times Wire Services

U.S. consumer borrowing increased less in July than a month earlier as Americans took out fewer auto loans.

Consumer credit increased $7.5 billion during the month to $2.46 trillion, the Federal Reserve said. In June, credit rose $11.9 billion, less than previously reported. The figures don’t include mortgage debt.

Auto sales slumped to a two-year low in July, capping the weakest quarter of consumer spending since the last three months of 2005.

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Slumping home values and stricter lending standards have made it harder for Americans to borrow against their homes for extra cash.

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