_{ECONOMIC NEWS}

Surge in World's Most Debt-Burdened Companies Threatens Their Survival

Debt-laden companies, or "zombies," are on the rise, barely surviving under massive debt. An AP analysis shows nearly 7,000 such companies worldwide, including 2,000 in the U.S., struggling with high inflation and soaring borrowing costs.

As hundreds of billions in loans come due, many face imminent collapse. Already, U.S. bankruptcies are at a 14-year high, with similar trends globally. These zombies, spanning various sectors and employing 130 million people, risk triggering mass bankruptcies that could devastate economies.

With $1.1 trillion in loans due by year's end, if interest rates don't fall soon, the fallout could be catastrophic. Companies like Telecom Italia and Peloton are already selling assets and laying off workers in a bid to survive. Read More.

_{FINANCIAL 101}

The Entire System Is Crumbling: Major Red Flags for Banks, Small Businesses, and Retailers

Despite claims of a healthy economy, alarming red flags are everywhere. The FDIC reports 63 "problem banks" with $517 billion in unrealized losses. High-interest rates have driven down the value of banks' securities, and commercial real estate is in crisis with $1.2 trillion in debt maturing soon.

The number of problem banks is increasing, but the FDIC keeps the list secret to prevent panic-induced bank runs. As commercial real estate loans go bad, the financial sector faces unprecedented stress, potentially leading to widespread bank failures.

A survey reveals two-thirds of small businesses fear imminent closure due to the current economic conditions. These small businesses employ nearly half of all U.S. workers, making their potential collapse catastrophic for the job market.

Major retailers like Target, Lowe’s, and even Walmart are struggling, reporting negative sales and closing stores. The retail sector is in freefall, with 7,800 stores projected to close in 2024.

Economic experts warn that the looming crash could be worse than the 2008 financial crisis. Our system, propped up by trillions in stimulus, is crumbling, leading to potential chaos and instability. Read Now.