Economy News Middle Income Americans Feel More Optimism About Finances And Economy S Direction Survey

What is the ‘K-shaped’ economy?

The “K-shaped economy” describes how wealthy Americans enjoy rising incomes and wealth while lower-income households struggle with stagnant wages and inflation. The divide explains economic puzzles: ... Read More

Economic Confidence—Near Historic Lows—Improves For First Time Since July

Views on the U.S. economy improved among Americans in December, the first boost since July despite settling near historic lows, according to a widely tracked survey released Friday by the University ... Read More

Americans Feel Bleak Despite Strong Economy — Here's Why

U.S. consumers feel unusually pessimistic despite solid economic data. With inflation cooling, wages rising and stocks at highs, experts like Ed Yardeni say sentiment doesn't match reality. Read More

Middle-income Americans pessimistic about their financial future amid persistent inflation, analysis shows

A new report report found that middle-income Americans are suffering from an "inflation hangover" after several years of price hikes. Read More

You're living in a "K-shaped" economy. Here's how that affects you.

To understand how Americans are faring economically these days, it's helpful to consider the eleventh letter of the alphabet. Experts describe the current U.S. economy as "K-shaped," a reference to ... Read More

'Jenga Tower' U.S. Economy Teeters As Middle Class Pulls Back Spending

The surprising resilience of the US economy this year is masking underlying weakness among low- and middle-income households, as higher-income Americans continue to drive growth. This dichotomy ... Read More

Overall economic view slides, but CPAs feel better about their companies

Nearly 50% more CPA decision-makers are optimistic about their own companies versus the U.S. economy on the whole, according to the quarterly AICPA and CIMA Economic Outlook Survey. Read More

Do Americans really need more than $112,000 to feel middle class?

A recent survey has sparked debate by suggesting that Americans believe a household income of $112,131 is necessary to be considered middle class. This figure challenges traditional notions of ... Read More

A Kansas Comeback: Farm Income Set to Nearly Double in 2025

When it comes to the farm economy, 2025 has been a year of contrasts. Some farmers are finally seeing brighter days, while others are fighting just to stay afloat. Kansas State University’s Joe ... Read More

Bank of America CEO cautions over middle class feeling the 'pinch' as economy faces new threats

Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan cautioned that while the American consumer remains a powerful force keeping the economy afloat, the middle class is beginning to feel the strain. Read More

National Survey: Middle-Income Families Adapting to ‘New Normal’ of Higher Costs

Fifth anniversary of poll reveals reduced savings, lingering debt and lower financial confidence When the survey first launched in Q3 2020, about half (50%) of middle-income Americans said their ... Read More