A simple enquiry on heterogeneous lending rates and lending behaviour

Size classes

Description of the size

Observed variable

Definition for the

of loan credits
to which the
interest rates
are referred
(DEFINITIONS
OF THE BANK
OF ITALY)

classes employed by the
Bank of Italy

corresponding classes of
loan credits to which the
interest rates refer in the
tables and graphics

1

Less than 100 million lira
(until 1996); less than 150
million lira (from 1997)

Average interest rate on
loan credits of the given
size class

c1

2

From 100 to 250 million
lira (until 1996); from 150
to 250 million lira (form
1997)

Average interest rate on
loan credits of the given
size class

c1

3

From 250 to 500 million
lira

Average interest rate on
loan credits of the given
size class

c3

4

From 500 million lira to 1
billion

Average interest rate on
loan credits of the given
size class

c4

5

over 1 billion

Average interest rate on
loan credits of the given
size class

c5