Report
The Great Recalibration
Published August 13, 2025
Commercial Commercial Insights Credit & Economic Trends Economic & Market Insights
U.S. small businesses are demonstrating exceptional adaptability amid a complex post-pandemic economic environment. Inflation remains elevated above 3%, interest rates are steady between 4.25% and 4.50%, and global trade dynamics continue to introduce volatility. Despite these pressures, small firms are showing resilience, driven by improved digital capabilities, disciplined fiscal management, and a steady flow of entrepreneurial activity.
In Q2 2025, an average of 447,000 new business applications were filed, with significant contributions from minority and younger founders. The Experian Small Business Index™ held steady, credit conditions remained tight. Traditional lenders continued to restrict approvals, with just 13% of applications approved by large banks. In response, small businesses increasingly turned to fintech and embedded finance solutions for faster, data-driven access to capital.
Borrowing behaviors are shifting. The average small business credit card APRs now exceed 25%, firms are transitioning toward installment loans that offer structured repayment terms.
Download report
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Thank you
Your report should open up in a new window.
Report
Energy Shock vs. Consumers
Consumers have powered the U.S. economy through repeated shocks, but new pressures are testing their resilience. As energy prices rise and economic conditions shift, the outlook is becoming more uncertain.
- Labor market strength is weakening
- Income and wage growth are slowing
- High equity exposure increases risk
Infographic
2026 H1 Alternative financial services trends snapshot: growth, risk and where it’s moving
Download the latest Alternative Financial Services Trend Report to reveal new insights on growth and risk, including:
- Loan volume is up 21% YoY across installment and single pay products
- Installment bad rates declined 6.8% YoY
- Returning borrowers grew 26.5% YoY in RTO/LTO
Webinar
Convergence of consumer and commercial fraud prevention
In this webinar, Experian experts explore how organizations can apply proven consumer fraud prevention tactics to strengthen commercial lending defenses.
What you'll learn:
- How consumer fraud strategies can be adapted for commercial use cases
- Where commercial lending is most exposed and how to mitigate risk
- How shared signals across identity, behavior and devices can improve detection
Webinar
Understanding the Consumer: Trends in Financial Behavior and Spending Patterns
Gain a clearer view of how consumers earn, spend, and manage their money in today’s evolving economic landscape. In this webinar, Experian experts break down the financial behaviors shaping demand, risk, and growth—using macroeconomic trends, credit data, and transaction-level cash flow insights.
- Key trends in spending, income stability, and cash flow
- What credit and cash flow signals reveal about your customers
- How to apply these insights to marketing, risk, and growth strategies