Consumer credit monitor Equifax said that December quarter demand for personal loans (for primarily cars and large home appliances) rose more than +16% from the same quarter in 2022. They saw mortgage demand up +3.8% over the same period. Suncorp Shines: The other large Aussie insurer active in the local market, Suncorp, has reported stellar premium growth in New Zealand, up +19.6%. But profits in this market were lower due to faster rising claims. Profits in Australia leapt. Suncorp's strength is in consumer insurance (home, contents, car). In New Zealand it operates the brands Vero, AA Insurance, and Asteron Life. ... (full story)