Eurozone bank raises interest rates on corporate loans in Q3

In the third quarter of 2026, eurozone banks raised interest rates on loans to businesses, particularly affecting large companies. According to the ECB, 46% of surveyed firms reported increased borrowing costs, up from 42% in the previous quarter. Large companies experienced a higher rate of increase at 55%, while 38% of SMEs noted similar hikes. Additionally, 27% of businesses faced rising financing costs, including fees and collateral requirements. The availability of bank loans decreased more than the financing needs of companies, with a notable pessimism regarding future external financing. The survey indicated that economic outlooks significantly influence financing availability, with larger firms being more negative than SMEs. Overall, firms expect moderate price increases in sales despite the challenges.