As shown in the graph above, banks had success growing loan balances during 2022, benefitting from a rebounding economy as loan growth accelerated to levels not experienced in years, although slowing since then. The median bank in Louisiana grew loans by 4.7% in 2024, and when annualizing the fourth quarter of 2024, posted a 0.2% decrease. By comparison, the U.S. grew loans by 5.1% in 2024, while posting an annualized 4.3% increase during the fourth quarter of 2024.