RapidRatings Knowledge Center & Articles

This issues key takeaways: Risk exposure is not static — it changes along with economic fluctuations and business relationship changes between counterparties (a company and its supplier, a company with its customer, etc.). Inflation, tariffs, and increasing bankruptcy rates make having visibility into supplier risk crucial. The risk calculator is an interactive tool that helps companies evaluate risk levels in their supplier base, both with and without tariff stress applied. Detecting financial risk early gives companies much-needed optionality.

The automotive industry supply chain is facing an onslaught of rising costs, complex global dependencies, and a wave of high-profile supplier bankruptcies. In 2025 alone, names like Wolfspeed and Marelli have failed, both were flagged by RapidRatings as financially vulnerable well before collapse.

In this edition, we jump on the tariff rollercoaster, try to SAVE some readers from student loan interest, and answer one of the most beguiling questions of all time.

Companies with high and very high risk profiles aren’t doomed to fail, but major changes may be in order. For counterparties evaluating these companies, major oversight is almost certainly in order. This month we’ll highlight useful risk assessment resources and discuss why detecting risk early puts companies in a stronger position to navigate out of high-risk territory.

Sustainable energy once had an extremely bright and promising future, with consumer support, federal backing, and a private sector clamoring to invest. Now, progress is slowing.