According to government sources, between 1964 and 1974 such loans averaged about 6.5 percent of all foreign borrowing.

The loans average about $300 each and are short-term, from 6 to 12 months.

Total loans at the bank averaged $121.8 billion in the third quarter, down 1 percent from the second quarter and down 6.7 percent from a year ago.

Copeland said the questionable loans made by the private foundation to student athletes averaged $350.

Moreover, whereas the company's typical loan had averaged about $185,000, he said, the loans generated on the Internet average about $205,000.

In the early 1920s, brokers' loans used to finance purchases on margin averaged 1-1.5 billion but by November 1928 had reached six billion.

The loans average $13,000, with most maturing in 10 to 15 years, according to the American Financial Association, a trade group.

Mr. Ward said that in his segment of the mortgage-money market, where loans average $375,000, most of his applications can be processed in a few days.

Network of Buyers At Chase Manhattan, loans averaged $64.1 billion, down $500 million in the second quarter.

That was still below the rate in February 1995, when 30-year loans averaged 8.77 percent.