Consumer loan delinquencies fell in Q309 across seven loan categories — the broadest decline since 2007 — but continued to rise in housing-related categories, according to the American Bankers Association’s (ABA) Consumer Credit Delinquency Bulletin. Delinquencies of 30 days or more fell in auto-related categories, likely as banks write off loans, the ABA said. ABA chief economist James Chessen indicated the news was positive, but the weak economy and job losses continue to weigh on consumers. Housing-related loans continued to show stress. Home equity loan delinquencies hit another record in the quarter, jumping 29 bps to 4.3% of all accounts. Home equity lines of credit rose 20 bps to 2.12% of all accounts. Mobile home delinquencies increased to 3.63% of all accounts, from 3.53% the previous quarter. “Delinquencies may be near their peak as job losses have slowed,” Chessen said. “Consumers are working hard to get their financial houses in order by spending less, saving more, and paying down debt. But there’s still a bumpy road ahead with many people unemployed and family budgets stretched to their limits.” Write to Diana Golobay.