US Bankruptcies Increased in March in Sign Backlog May Be Clearing: Epiq AACER

A person holds a sign advertising a sale at Century 21, a retail outlet that announced it was filing for bankruptcy and closing its stores due to the economic impact of the coronavirus disease in Manhattan, New York City, on Sept. 26, 2020. Andrew Kelly/File/Reuters

WASHINGTON—U.S. bankruptcies surged in March to the highest level in a year, driven by a 41 percent jump in month-to-month filings by consumers, data firm Epiq AACER reported on Monday.

Overall commercial filings also increased, though the Chapter 11 bankruptcy used by larger companies fell, the firm said.