Why corporate bankruptcies were up in 2023 despite the improving economy

https://www.npr.org/2023/12/28/ [login to see] /bankruptcies-corporate-rise-inflation-2023-interest-rates
Imagine taking a Bird scooter to Rite Aid before heading to a WeWork, where you read a news article on Vice and then buying a gift on Bed Bath & Beyond's website.

What is this, 2018?

No, this is 2023, and you've just interacted with five of the hundreds of companies that filed for bankruptcy this year. Most of these companies have not completely collapsed, but they are limping along.

While most major indicators, like inflation finally cooling off and consumer confidence improving, show the economy turning the corner, corporate bankruptcies this year have moved in the opposite direction.