Credit card delinquencies are sitting at 13% so far this year. It’s the highest national rate since the tail-end of the Great Recession. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, including high inflation and job uncertainty, is partially to blame. Also in this episode: Home equity lines of credit become more popular as traditional borrowing rates climb, small business owners are cautious but optimistic — and trying to hire — and Kyla Scanlon explains economic nihilism. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/newsletters">Subscribe</a> to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/">marketplace.org</a> — and consider <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/make-a-smart-investment">making an investment</a> in our future. Read the stories in today’s episode: <ul><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/11/why-spending-on-little-treats-makes-sense-in-this-economy" class="default">Younger consumers are turning to "little treats" in the face of economic nihilism</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/11/why-homeowners-are-turning-to-helocs-for-borrowing" class="default">Why lines of credit have become a preferred piggy bank for homeowners</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/11/credit-card-delinquencies-approach-great-recession-levels" class="default">Credit card delinquencies approach Great Recession levels</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/11/china-appears-to-be-besting-the-us-in-tech-research-and-more" class="default">China is shaping the technology of the future. Where does that leave the U.S.?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/11/nfib-survey-small-business-owners-are-uncertain-but-hopeful" class="default">Small business owners are feeling uncertain but optimistic</a></li></ul>

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