But with student lending soaring, SLM ( quote ) got a small bid today, and in theory a lot of that money could trickle out into the broader economy as the tuition checks clear. The new U.S. consumer credit numbers reflect an economy that is reaccelerating, and that is very bullish for growth -- as well as inflation. All in all, U.S. household credit surged by $7.62 billion in February, ramping up faster than at any other time since June 2008.