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World Bank president forecasts "subdued" economic recovery for 2021

And that's if vaccine distribution stays on track, David Malpass says.
"If you only come back 4% this year [in growth for the world economy], you're not back to where you were, even at the end of 2021," World Bank President David Malpass said.
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Millions of renters face holiday evictions — and long-term debt

Dec 9, 2020
Even if someone manages to avoid or recover from an eviction, unpaid rent can have a damaging effect that lasts for years.
Renters and housing advocates attend a protest to cancel rent and avoid evictions during the coronavirus pandemic, in Los Angeles, California, on Aug. 21, 2020.
Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

More people unable to pay utility bills, with colder months coming

Nov 13, 2020
Electric and gas debt is expected to be more than $24 billion by the end of this year, at least three times what it was last year.
The protections against shut-offs are lifting and disconnections have already begun.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Are zero interest credit cards easier or harder to get in this pandemic?

Aug 20, 2020
Some credit experts say that if Congress does not pass a new relief bill soon, credit card offers could dry up more.
Another month, another monthly credit card bill.
Damien Meyer/Getty Images

CFPB rolls back restrictions on payday lenders

Jul 9, 2020
Lenders will not have to verify whether borrowers have the ability to pay back high-interest loans
About 12 million Americans take out payday loans every year, mostly to cover necessities like rent or utilities.
EHStock via Getty Images

In China, chasing debt after the COVID-19 lockdown

Jun 23, 2020
Delayed payments are a normal part of doing business in China. That works OK when the economy is bustling — but not anymore.
A recent survey showed 66% of Chinese firms had clients delay payments last year. Then the pandemic hit.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

Fed says not to worry about debt right now. But we have to, eventually.

Apr 29, 2020
Politicians never want to tell voters about the need to balance the budget through tax hikes or spending cuts.
"This is not the time" to worry about debt, Jerome Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, said at the Federal Open Market Committee meeting on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
Federal Reserve via Getty Images

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How a debt jubilee could help the U.S. avert economic depression

Apr 2, 2020
One economist believes hope of avoiding a COVID-19 economic depression lies in full forgiveness of personal debts.
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A corner of the bond market is showing signs of stress

Mar 13, 2020
After this week's global market crash, the credit market is showing signs of stress.
Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images

FICO changes could lower 40 million credit scores

Jan 23, 2020
The change in how FICO is measured could make it more expensive for millions of Americans to borrow.
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