The US economy is not as strong as it seems. While the top 10% of earners account for nearly half of consumer spending, driving growth and keeping the economy afloat, many Americans are struggling financially.
Wealthy individuals control 62.6% of household assets, but this concentration masks the reality for the majority. The bottom half of households hold just 5% of total wealth, making it difficult for them to make ends meet.
Consumer spending is crucial, accounting for 70% of the economy. However, when removed from the equation, the US economy appears weaker. Manufacturing employment has declined, and unemployment claims have increased. Credit scores are also dropping, indicating financial struggles among ordinary Americans.
Inflation has made life harder for the bottom 90%, with rising prices eating away at paychecks and savings. The top 10% can spend lavishly due to their significant wealth advantage, artificially masking the financial difficulties of those below them.
The economy is like a split-screen image, where some enjoy abundance and ease while others face scarcity and financial stress. An overwhelming majority of Americans are struggling to make ends meet, despite the White House’s claims of economic growth. The concentration of wealth has created a system that rewards the few at the expense of the many.
Source: https://jacobin.com/2025/09/wealth-income-inequality-spending-debt-trump