Part 10/12:
For years, the Federal Reserve and policymakers touted the possibility of a "soft landing"—a smooth transition avoiding recession while tamping down inflation. However, the rising number of bankruptcies paints a starkly different picture. As 2025 progresses, it appears more businesses will falter, leading to increased unemployment and economic hardship. Consumers are still hesitant to spend discretionary income, grave signs that the economy remains fragile.