> half of US banks who lend to Europe, tighten standards

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Federal Reserve survey has found that more than half of U.S. banks that lend to European banks have tightened their standards, a reflection of the persistent European debt crisis.

Of the 26 U.S. banks surveyed that make loans to European banks, five said they had tightened their standards considerably in the October-December quarter. Another 10 said that they had tightened them somewhat in the same period, according to the survey released Monday.

Many economists predict that Europe’s debt crisis will push the region into a recession this year. Many European banks are heavily exposed to government debt, making the banks more of a risk.

In the U.S., banks are seeing more small businesses apply for loans, according to the Fed’s quarterly survey of loan officers for large banks.

The percentage of banks reporting increased loan demand from companies with annual sales of less than $50 million rose to the highest level since 2005, the survey found.

That could mean more companies are confident in the economy and may be looking to hire more and expand.