Hedge funds are increasing stake in personal loan finance stocks after credit bureau data indicated improved borrower repayment behaviors. This strengthens the sector’s long-term earnings outlook. "With the average student loan debt of over $39,000 and a fixed interest rate of 6.39%, the rate for federal undergraduate loans, it would require a monthly payment of around $288 to pay off everything within 20 years," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo wrote in the report . Most online lenders will give you a decision within minutes to a few business days, with funding following shortly after. You may have to wait a bit longer for an answer if you take the traditional bank or credit union route. As you get your offers, pay close attention to the APRs tied to the loans, which include interest plus fees. You should also keep an eye out for origination fees, which are often calculated as a percentage of the loan amount and are typically deducted from your loan proceeds. Reports show personal loan finance firms navigating tightening underwriting standards while still achieving steady loan originations, suggesting resilience against macroeconomic headwinds in