U.S. bankruptcy filings increased by 11% during the first nine months of 2026, according to data from Epiq AACER cited by the American Bankruptcy Institute. This growth reflects financial pressure on consumers and businesses driven by elevated borrowing costs, rising household expenses, and broader economic uncertainty.
Individual bankruptcy filings rose by 7% during this period, with commercial filings experiencing a similar upward trend. Despite the increase, the total volume of bankruptcy filings in the United States remains below the levels recorded in 2019, prior to the pandemic.
The rise in filings has influenced market sentiment regarding the financial stability of specific companies, including NuScale Power. Prediction markets have noted a slight increase in the implied probability of a potential bankruptcy declaration for NuScale Power by the end of 2027.
Market observers are now focusing on upcoming financial disclosures from companies for signs of distress, such as debt restructuring or going-concern warnings. Future shifts in interest rates, consumer spending, and potential government economic policies remain key factors to monitor.
