Caixa to Beef up Loan Book

Brazil’s Caixa Economica Federal plans to increase its loan book by a whopping 42% percent this year, up from 33%. Lending already grew 44% in the first half and the state-owned bank should hit BRL183bn ($91bn) in 2012, according to remarks by its CEO confirmed by a spokeswoman. The increase should be driven by an expansion in mortgage and consumer lending. The bank is also discussing a potential capital injection with the government that might take place before year-end.