·Borrowed money is now the primary driver of US stock market gains, amplifying both upside and downside risk

·Rising interest rates are sharply increasing the cost of margin debt, straining investors who took positions on leverage

·Trump administration raised borrowing caps for graduate degree holders, signaling shifts in federal education financing policy

·Local governments like Montclair are borrowing heavily to offset school budget pressures before referendums

·Financial advisors warn that maxed-out credit and high-risk speculation mask underlying economic fragility