US corporate bankruptcies hit highest level since 2010

Business Nov 15, 2025

Corporate bankruptcies in the US have shot up, reaching a 15-year high with 655 companies filing by October 2025—almost matching last year's total already.
Just this fall, filings spiked again, showing how tough things are out there for businesses facing rising costs and economic uncertainty.

What's behind the surge?

A mix of factors is making it harder for companies to stay afloat: tariffs from earlier trade policies have pushed up costs, inflation keeps prices high, and a weaker job market means people are spending less.
Sectors like industrials and consumer discretionary are feeling it most.
On top of that, the Fed's higher interest rates mean loans cost more, so many businesses just can't keep up with their debts.