Report
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Published February 25, 2025
Commercial Commercial Insights Credit & Economic Trends Economic & Market Insights
The U.S. small business landscape entered 2025, navigating short-term volatility as the new administration began implementing policy changes amid ongoing global uncertainties. Throughout the fourth quarter of 2024, the election cycle introduced expectations of tax policy adjustments, government efficiency initiatives, and regulatory reforms aimed at bolstering U.S. consumers and small businesses; however, uncertainty over the scope and timing of these policies led to cautious lending and business investment. Inflationary pressures persisted, keeping borrowing costs elevated, while global risks, ranging from energy price fluctuations to supply chain disruptions, added complexity to the operating environment.
Consumer resilience remained a key stabilizer, yet signs of spending fatigue emerged, raising concerns about demand sustainability. Despite these headwinds, strong cash flows and solid holiday spending encouraged lenders to signal a measured easing of underwriting standards. As 2025 progresses, small businesses must stay agile, adapting to evolving domestic policies and global market shifts to seize opportunities and sustain growth in a changing landscape.
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Webinar
Macroeconomic forecasting and credit trends - August 2025
Although the U.S. economy remains solid and has resisted a broader slowdown thus far in 2025, the outlook remains highly uncertain. In this environment, it is imperative for businesses to stay on top of the latest economic developments. Experian’s Chief Economist Joseph Mayans, Director of Fintech Gavin Harding and Head of Automotive Financial Insights Melinda Zabritski, will provide a look into:
- The latest economic, credit and automotive finance trends
- Forecasts for the rest of the year and beyond
- Answers to today's most pressing questions
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Check out the full report to see how these trends could impact your strategy!
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Check out the full report to see how these trends could impact your strategy!
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This week the Experian Commercial Pulse report focuses in on a fascinating paradox in the e-commerce industry that credit and risk management professionals should closely monitor. While online retail revenues continue their upward trajectory—now representing over 16% of total U.S. retail sales and generating quarterly revenues exceeding $300 billion—commercial credit inquiries from e-commerce businesses have declined by nearly 25% in the past year alone.
Check out the full report to see how these trends could impact your strategy!