US corporate defaults jumped 123 % to $ 45bn in the second quarter , the highest rate since 2009 , as oil and gas companies missed more payments , according to Moody 's . The US speculative - commodity default rate rose to 6 % from 4.4 % in the first quarter , and is expected to rise to 6.4 % , the highest since June 2010 . The US speculative commodity default rate rose to 23.9 % from 19.9 % .
US corporate defaults jumped 123% to $45bn in the second quarter, the highest level since 2009, as oil and gas companies missed more payments, according to Moody's. The US speculative-grade default rate rose to 5.1% from 4.4% in the first quarter, and is expected to rise to 6.4%, the highest since June 2010. The US speculative commodity default rate rose to 23.9% from 19.9%.