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Debt

Americans’ use of credit is growing, but slowing 

by Stephanie Hughes
Feb 8, 2023
In 2022, consumer credit increased 7.8% from the year before. But in December, the growth in borrowing decelerated.
Consumer credit increased 7.8% last year, according to recent Federal Reserve data. But some Americans appear to be getting more cautious about debt.
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Consumer debt is becoming more of a burden

by Justin Ho
Feb 7, 2023
Consumer debt levels have been rising. While wage gains have helped people pay off debt, those gains have been slowing down.
The Fed's consumer credit report, due out today, will show whether people are continuing to take on more and more debt.
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Why consumers are pulling back on spending

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer
Jan 17, 2023
A New York Fed survey shows consumers are cutting back. But inflation means they're paying more for the same stuff.
Consumer spending peaked over the summer and has been falling ever since, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
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I've Always Wondered ...

Why do companies flush with cash still carry debt?

by Janet Nguyen
Jan 13, 2023
Google, for instance, has more than $116 billion in the bank, but isn’t rushing to pay off its borrowings.
Unlike many of us, Google isn't prioritizing paying off its debt — but there are some good reasons for that.
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Corporations are still borrowing, despite high interest rates

by Justin Ho
Jan 5, 2023
Many companies are borrowing now — if they can — in a bid to get ahead of further rate hikes this year.
Some companies are borrowing now to build a rainy day fund heading into 2023.
Luis Robayo/AFP via Getty Images
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Study details young people's struggles to keep pace with debt payments

by Samantha Fields
Dec 16, 2022
About 20% of young adults with a credit report have debt in collections, report shows. As a group, they may face higher borrowing costs.
A study from the Urban Institute discusses the financial problems of many young people who have auto loans.
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Consumer credit is up almost 7% since this time last year

by Mitchell Hartman
Dec 8, 2022
Credit card balances alone were up 15% in the third quarter. Higher prices for necessities and higher interest rates are contributing factors.
Credit card balances alone were up 15% in the third quarter.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
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Banks that helped finance Musk's Twitter purchase field low bids for debt

by Justin Ho
Nov 11, 2022
It's common for banks to sell of loans to other investors. What’s unusual are the sharply lower prices those potential buyers are offering.
Elon Musk paid $44 billion for Twitter; he borrowed $13 billion of it to help foot the bill.
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Why banks are setting aside cash to cover bad loans

by Justin Ho
Oct 18, 2022
When the economy starts looking scary, bank executives have to make a judgment call about their outstanding loans.
Banks are setting aside extra money in case of a recession, which could lead to loan defaults. Think of it like hoarding acorns for winter.
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
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"Buy now, pay later" can come with a cost, federal consumer watchdog says

by Savannah Maher
Sep 19, 2022
The CFPB says delinquencies and late fees add up and recommends tighter regulation of loans in line with the credit card industry.
Buy now, pay later services can be risky for consumers, who aren't always well-informed of the penalties for missed payments.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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