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High interest rates are risky business

Jul 26, 2023
Higher interest rates hit businesses in multiple ways. The longer rates remain elevated, the harder it gets.
Corporate borrowers' interest payments have jumped, says Nick Kraemer at S&P Global Ratings.
Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

Why banks are setting aside cash to cover bad loans

Oct 18, 2022
When the economy starts looking scary, bank executives have to make a judgment call about their outstanding loans.
Banks are setting aside extra money in case of a recession, which could lead to loan defaults. Think of it like hoarding acorns for winter.
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

The debt ceiling explained

Sep 24, 2021
If Congress fails to raise or suspend the debt limit, it won’t cause a government shutdown. But it could mean a failure to pay Social Security benefits and federal salaries. 
Storm clouds gather near the U.S. Capitol on Sep. 22, in Washington, D.C.
Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images

This Puerto Rico default is different

Apr 29, 2016
Puerto Rico is about to miss an interest payment on the most secure level of bonds.

Student loan default rates don't tell the whole story

Sep 23, 2014
Colleges can game the system to hide their students’ problems with debt.

For public good, not for profit.

Argentina defaults

Aug 1, 2014
Talks broke down between Argentina and some of its bondholders, triggering default. Tim Fernholz, reporter for Quartz, explains.

What does all of this talk about default really mean?

Oct 16, 2013
Make no mistake, if the U.S. government defaults on its debt obligations, it will be a catastrophe. But the media has been misusing the term.
Reporters stand outside the Speaker of the House's office on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, October 15, 2013, waiting for comments from the Republican leadership.
JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

A debt-ceiling roadmap to ruin?

Oct 15, 2013
The paydays that could prompt a government default if a debt-ceiling deal collapses.