The European Central Bank has said growth in loans to the private sector was almost stagnant in August, falling to 0.1% from 0.7% in July.
Annual growth of the wider M3 money supply indicator, which measures cash, deposits and various other financial items, fell to 2.5% in August from 3% in July, an ECB spokesman said.
Lending and money supply data reflect consumer demand and overall activity in an economy.
A falling figure points to lower demand, which normally means inflation will ease and allow the ECB to cut interest rates. These are now at a record low of 1%, however, and are not expected to be cut further.
On a three-month basis - smoothing out exceptional movements - M3 growth fell to 3% in the period from June to August from 3.4% in the May-July period.
Private sector business activity in the euro zone picked up in September but analysts warn rising unemployment could put pressure on already waning momentum, with consumer spending likely to be held back ahead of the crucial Christmas retail period.
