US Personal Bankruptcy Statistics

Link

The chart is ominous.

Bankruptcy filings peaked in 2005 Q4.  But the trend is up.  Sustained unemployment will mean more bankruptcy, more defaults on loans, more foreclosures.  Housing markets will get weaker.  People won’t be able to pay their mortgages, and prices will have to go down to the point when those with cash can buy.  It looks bleak.