Short interest in leading consumer finance stocks fell to 3.2%, a six-month low, signaling reduced bearish bets. Positive macro data around retail sales strengthens lending outlooks. The CFPB’s latest Unified Rulemaking Agenda signals a period of significant regulatory activity that will directly and indirectly impact SME lenders and alternative commercial finance providers. While some of the most high-profile initiatives—such as the reconsideration of Section 1071’s small business lending data collection requirements and Section 1033’s open banking framework—are statutory and unlikely to disappear, the bureau’s apparent willingness to revisit and potentially streamline these rules offers a measure of hope for a more balanced compliance landscape. You know your credit report is important, but the information that credit reporting companies use to create that report is just as important—and you have a right to see that data. Use our list of credit reporting companies to request and review each of your reports. Options trading in major consumer finance companies shows increased call volume, reflecting bullish positioning ahead of CPI release data. Possible rate stability could act as a tailwind for valuations in this segment.