Large U.S. corporate bankruptcies are on pace to hit their highest level in 15 years, S&P Global data showed on Thursday, underscoring mounting stress across corporate America at a sensitive time for public market investors. ...

Group 1: Overall Market Outlook - Companies in the S&P 500 are projected to post an 8.8% year-over-year increase in earnings for Q3, with strong earnings critical to sustaining current market levels [1] - The index's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio is at 22.8, above the five-year average of 19.9 and the ten-year average of 18.6 [1] - Earnings growth could surpass 13% for Q3, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit expansion [1] Group 2: Banking Sector Performance - The financial sector is expected to see a 13.2% year-over-year earnings growth, with estimated earnings climbing from $104.0 billion to $109.4 billion since June 30 [3] - Out of 75 companies in the financial sector, 53 have seen upward revisions to their earnings estimates, with 16 reporting increases of more than 10% [4] - All five industries within the financial sector are projected to post year-over-year growth, including Consumer Finance (+29%), Insurance (+17%), Capital Markets (+15%), Financial Services (+11%), and Banks (+9%) [5] Group 3: Banking Sector Trends - The U.S. banking sector has rebounded since April, supported by increased M&A activity and a favorable regulatory environment [6] - These tailwinds are expected to contribute to another strong quarter for the largest banks, with net interest margin expansion and fee-based businesses driving topline growth [6] - Analysts are flagging early signs of strain in consumer credit, including rising delinquencies in student and auto loans, alongside an increase in corporate bankruptcies [2]