Part 4/9:
The ramifications extend into the corporate sphere, where last year saw the highest corporate bankruptcy rates in over a decade, echoing patterns reminiscent of the 2008 financial crisis. Many companies are experiencing failures due to reliance on cheap credit, and as consumer spending begins to falter, the sustainability of these corporations is increasingly in question. Warnings from corporate leaders signal troubling trends—such as Delta Airline’s forecast of a 50% profit dip—highlight the severity of changing consumer behaviors, especially in discretionary areas like travel.