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Explore state-level and industry level data that banks, credit unions and fintechs can leverage to track the downturn and be correctly positioned for the recovery in this monthly report.

This week's Commercial Pulse Report highlights key economic trends and small business credit conditions, providing insights for lenders, risk professionals, and business leaders.

The U.S. economy continues to face high interest rates and shifting market conditions:

• Inflation rose to 2.9% in December, marking its third consecutive increase and the highest level since July 2024.
• Unemployment declined to 4.0% in January, the lowest level since April 2024, but job growth slowed, with only 143K jobs added.
• Q4 GDP grew at 2.3%, down from 3.1% in Q3, indicating a moderate but slowing expansion.
• The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady, reinforcing concerns about persistent inflation.

This report features the latest findings from the Experian Small Business Index™, a data-driven tool tracking small business financial health.

Check out the full report to see how these trends could impact your strategy!

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In an era of economic uncertainty, resilience can seem out of reach, but Gen Z is flipping the script. Watch this webinar to explore:

• Key credit trends and behaviors shaping Gen Z
• Their perspectives on personal finance and aspirations for the future
• How organizations can better support and engage this dynamic cohort

The latest Experian Commercial Pulse Report highlights a remarkable rebound for the Leisure & Hospitality sector:

✈️ TSA screened 903M+ passengers in 2024—a 6.5% increase over pre-pandemic levels.

🏨 Hotel occupancy rates are recovering, though still below pre-pandemic levels, as corporate travel remains reduced.

📊 Credit risk scores across subsectors are steadily improving, reflecting stabilizing financial health.

These trends showcase the sector’s resilience, supported by lower travel inflation and strong consumer demand despite economic pressures.

Credit managers, are you leveraging these insights to adjust your strategies?

Check out the full report to see how these trends could impact your strategy!

Subscribe to Commercial Pulse Report

Explore state-level and industry level data that banks, credit unions and fintechs can leverage to track the downturn and be correctly positioned for the recovery in this monthly report.

As published on the Business Information blog, Experian's latest Commercial Pulse Report highlights how risk profiles vary significantly by industry and business age.

🔹 New businesses in sectors like Construction and Food Services face higher delinquency rates, signaling elevated credit risks.
🔹 Meanwhile, industries like Retail and Healthcare maintain stable performance, regardless of business maturity—offering balanced opportunities for lenders.

Understanding these dynamics is critical for tailoring lending strategies, mitigating risk, and supporting business growth across industries.

Check out the full report to see how these trends could impact your strategy!

Subscribe to Commercial Pulse Report

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the credit card landscape, offering key insights to help your business tackle today’s challenges and uncover opportunities for growth.

Key insights:

• Credit card debt reached an all-time high of $1.17 trillion in Q3 2024.
• About 19 million U.S. households were considered underbanked in 2023.
• Bot-led fraud attacks doubled from January to June 2024.

Watch the recording of the Quarterly Business Credit Review webinar, where Experian shared and discussed critical insights from the latest Main Street Report.

Why you should watch:

• Leading Experts on Commercial and Macro-Economic Trends
• Credit insights and trends on 30+ Million active businesses
• Industry Hot Topics Covered (Inclusive of Business Owner and Small Business Data)
• Commercial Insights you cannot get anywhere else 
• Peer Insights with Interactive Polls (Participate)
• Discover and understand small business trends to make informed decisions
• Actionable takeaways based on recent credit performance

Visit our Commercial Insights Hub for more economic insights and reports on small business. 

The U.S. (United States) has been in a state of suspended animation from a small business perspective. The domestic election cycle was full of promises focused on government spending to resolve consumer and small business perceived challenges for the next four years. As we emerge from the election cycle, with a clean transition expected, what rhetoric will become a reality is creating uncertainty among lenders and small businesses. Macroeconomic indicators are leaning positive, while stubborn inflation increases prices and borrowing costs. Lenders are targeting a looser environment for underwriting as cashflows remain positive and small businesses feel the rush of holiday shopping. Growth is coming in 2025; the question is how quickly companies can prepare and maneuver through the next 6 months of policy and global volatility.