Corporate Bankruptcies Surge to Great Recession Levels

Corporate bankruptcies surged in 2025, climbing to levels not seen since the aftermath of the Great Recession, as companies struggled to absorb inflation, rising interest rates, and the highest tariffs in decades, The Washington Post reports.

"These companies are acutely aware of the affordability crisis confronting the average American," said Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a professor at Yale University's School of Management. "They are doing their best to offset the cost of tariffs and higher interest rates but can only do so much."

At least 717 companies filed for bankruptcy through November, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence — about 14% more than during the same period in 2024 and the highest total since 2010.