One issue: Managing the cost of repaying COVID-era loans that they took out to survive in 2020 and 2021.

A report from Bankrate found that lenders rejected nearly half of all loan applications in 2024, and auto loan and mortgage refinance rejections hit record highs.

The New York Federal Reserve found that rejection rates for loan applications are higher than they were in 2023 for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages and refinances.

The Federal Reserve’s easing of interest rates may be one factor that turned the mood around. Another could be the election.

Some effects of cheaper money won’t be visible until next year, and smaller, more risk-averse businesses may be slower to respond.

The Federal Reserve is likely to cut rates when it meets this week. Once Fed officials announce a rate cut, the gears of monetary policy start turning.

The LOANS bill would make BioBonds available to researchers ready to move their emerging therapies into clinical trials.

Higher interest rates hit businesses in multiple ways. The longer rates remain elevated, the harder it gets.

Fewer loans means less consumer spending, and less consumer spending means lower inflation.

More than 230 companies declared bankruptcy before the end of April. What is happening?