WASHINGTON, Hawaii -- The Office of the U.S. Comptroller of the Currency said Tuesday commercial loan standards eased in the year ended March 31. The OCC said slightly more banks eased commercial credit underwriting standards than tightened them during the 12-month period, with examiners reporting 13 percent easing, 12 percent tightening and 75 percent leaving standards unchanged.

The OCC's annual survey of credit underwriting also showed by contrast, in the previous year more banks tightened these standards than eased them.

The survey also found an easing in the standards for retail credit, primarily for credit cards and home equity loans. The changes in the latest survey weren't surprising in light of improved loan-portfolio quality, increased competition and a more optimistic economic outlook.

The survey included the 72 largest national banks, with a total loan portfolio of about $2.3 trillion, representing 91 percent of national banks' outstanding loans.

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