Signs of credit market thaw begin to emerge

NEW YORK (AP) — Credit markets are beginning to thaw after months of a deep freeze.

In a promising turn that could bolster the economy, companies are selling bonds at a pace not seen since last spring. At the same time, companies are finding it easier to issue commercial paper, the short-term loans necessary for quick access to cash.

Global sales of new corporate debt jumped to $82 billion last week, the highest since $103 billion last May and nearly double the level seen right before the credit crisis intensified in September, according to data-tracker Dealogic.

The thawing means companies such as Cablevision Holdings Corp. and General Electric Co. can raise money more easily for everything from payrolls to paying down debt, an important shift that ultimately will benefit consumers.