A survey by the European Central Bank shows that more banks expect to tighten lending standards in the first three months of this year.
The ECB's quarterly bank lending survey showed a net 25 percent of banks expect to impose tougher conditions for businesses to borrow. The same survey showed a net 35 percent of banks tightened loans to businesses in the fourth quarter, up from 16 percent in the quarter before.
Financial turmoil and losses from the eurozone government debt crisis have put pressure on bank finances, leading to fears that skimpier lending will hurt economic growth.
