UPDATE 1-Outstanding loans in Brazil grow in February after long deceleration

Outstanding loans in Brazil rose in February on a 12-month basis, central bank data showed on Tuesday, breaking several months of deceleration. The data follows the central bank's revision last week of its forecast for credit growth in Latin America's largest economy to 9.4% this year, up from 8.8% previously. According to policymakers, the adjustment reflects positive surprises regarding the increase in lending pace and decline in default rates, as well as expectations of stronger economic activity.