Report
Credit and Policy Crosswinds
Published May 27, 2025
Commercial Commercial Insights Credit & Economic Trends Economic & Market Insights
U.S. small businesses are navigating a challenging but stabilizing credit environment, shaped by persistent inflation, elevated interest rates, and cautious consumer sentiment. According to Experian’s latest data, small business credit utilization has remained steady, reflecting disciplined borrowing behavior, while delinquency rates have shown only modest increases, suggesting overall credit health remains intact. The Experian Small Business Index™ indicates a slight uptick in new business credit applications, signaling renewed interest in growth despite macroeconomic headwinds.
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Report
Q4 2025 Lending Conditions Chartbook
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
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White Paper
Closing the credit gap
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
Report
The Alt Labor Story
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
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- Unemployment edged up in line with Fed projections
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Webinar
Macroeconomic forecasting and credit trends - November 2025
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:
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- Student loan update