U.S. HOUSEHOLD DEBT DIPS TO $18.8 TRILLION U.S. household debt fell by $13 billion to $18.8 trillion in the second quarter, according to the New York Fed. Mortgage balances dropped $74 billion to $13.1 trillion, while credit card debt rose $21 billion and auto loans increased $28 billion. Delinquency rates remained broadly stable, though early delinquencies edged higher for mortgages and auto loans.(*Walter Bloomberg)