Japan's regional banks log record growth in property lending

What happened: Japan's regional banks recorded a record increase in real estate lending in the April-June quarter, with such financing accounting for nearly half of all outstanding loans at some institutions. Key numbers: Record increase in real estate lending in the April-June quarter; real estate loans near half of outstanding loans at some institutions. Why it matters: Regulators are on guard as rising interest rates risk worsening real estate profitability. Much of the lending is concentrated in urban areas as rural populations fall.

Japan's regional banks recorded a record increase in real estate lending in the April-June quarter, with such financing accounting for nearly half of all outstanding loans at some institutions.

Regulators are on guard as rising interest rates risk worsening real estate profitability. Much of the lending is concentrated in urban areas as rural populations fall.