The US economy is barreling toward a 'student loan cliff,' with a moratorium on repayments set to end this year, according to Jefferies.
Cash-strapped households could scale back spending if the loan repayments resume, hitting economic growth.
"The additional risk to overall US economic growth is notable," Tim Simons, an economist at Jefferies, said.
An end to the loan moratorium will affect about 45 million borrowers, according to the firm.
"If the resumption of student loan repayments creates ~2% downward pressure on personal consumption expenditures, the additional risk to overall US economic growth is notable," Tim Simons, an economist at Jefferies, wrote in a recent research note.