Americans aged 40-59 accounted for 49.9% of new consumer bankruptcies, the largest combined share since the first quarter of 2017, as middle-aged households faced rising debt and living costs. Consumers aged 40-49 represented 26.8%, the largest share of any age group and their highest proportion since the third quarter of 2015. The 50-59 group accounted for 23.1%. Americans aged 70 and older represented 21.5% of new bankruptcies, their highest share since the second quarter of 2017, while adults aged 18-29 accounted for 5.9%, their lowest share since mid-2014. Household credit balances also increased in the second quarter of 2026, with credit card and auto loan balances each rising 1.7%. Home equity lines of credit increased for a 17th consecutive quarter, and 10.6% of student loan balances were at least 90 days delinquent. Inflation remained elevated at 3.4% in August, while gasoline prices rose 3.9% during the month and fuel oil prices climbed 52% over the past year. The national average gasoline price reached $4.32 a gallon and diesel rose to a record $6.23 amid intensifying conflict in the Middle East. Costco Wholesale Corp. raised prices on private-label motor oil and limited purchases to two units per member per week as higher crude costs affected retailers.