Outstanding commercial paper plunged $42.5 bln in latest week.

Drop of $22.4 billion in the latest week marked the fifth consecutive decline.

Drop of $22.4 billion in the latest week marked the fifth consecutive decline.

Issuance lags as companies take advantage of low rates to sell longer debt.

Issuance lags as companies take advantage of low rates to sell longer debt.

Seventh consecutive weekly decline led by decline in issuance by U.S. financial institutions.

Seventh consecutive weekly decline led by decline in issuance by U.S. financial institutions.

Decline of $10.2 bln in latest week reflects credit concerns, competition from longer-term debt.