Rising retail demand meets cautious lending

Despite tariff headwinds in 2025, the U.S. economy exceeded expectations and is positioned for continued growth. Improving credit dynamics point to a stronger lending environment in 2026.

• Solid economic momentum heading into the new year
• Improving lending standards and rising credit demand
• Stable delinquency trends support healthier credit conditions

White paper about income and credit trends – across gender, household dynamics, ethnicities and generational shifts. These new findings explain why closing the credit gaps is a strategic priority for lenders.

Download the white paper to learn about changing demographics across gender, household dynamics, ethnicities and generational shifts.

Learn how pivoting your approach and product offerings may help you broaden your customer base to become leaders in inclusive finance

The longest U.S. government shutdown has paused official labor data, but private-sector insights reveal key trends shaping the job market. Alternative sources show slowing job creation, modestly higher unemployment, and signs of resilience consistent with the Fed’s outlook.

• Job growth weakened in late 2025 across major indicators
• Layoff announcements rose, but claims remain low
• Unemployment edged up in line with Fed projections
• Labor market stress remains relatively contained

As we step closer to 2026, all eyes remain on the economic outlook, the labor market and consumer health. Experian’s Chief Economist Joseph Mayans, Director of Fintech Gavin Harding and Solution Insights Director Amanda Roth, will provide a look into:

• The latest economic and credit trends
• Labor market and consumer health
• Student loan update