The number of microfinance borrowers with multiple loans has significantly decreased. These borrowers still hold substantial outstanding loans, posing a higher credit risk. Portfolio at risk for these stretched borrowers is higher than others. The microfinance market saw a record peak in loans outstanding recently. Stricter underwriting practices are helping the sector recover from past challenges.
Dollar feeble as rate hike bets dwindle, Iran war worries grow
The U.S. dollar weakened against major currencies as traders scaled back tightening expectations. Soft economic data, including retail sales and job losses, influenced these shifts.
August 18, 2026