Companies' Borrowing Spree Darkens Stock Market Future

Companies that loaded up on debt during the credit boom of the early-to-mid-2000s were more likely to fire workers and shut down stores once the 2007-2009 recession hit.

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A dark shadow is lurking behind the happy façade of rising stock prices.

U.S. companies are borrowing money faster than they’re earning it -- and they’re doing it at the quickest pace since the aftermath of the financial crisis.