What's happened
Recent data shows a deepening economic split, with high-income households increasing wealth and spending, while lower-income groups face higher inflation and stagnating wages. The US and Japan exhibit contrasting but related trends, highlighting growing inequality amid economic uncertainty as of February 11, 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The data underscores a persistent and widening income gap, driven by structural factors like asset inflation and wage stagnation. In the US, the top 1% now hold nearly 32% of household wealth, with higher-income households increasing their spending by 2.3% since 2023, fueling economic growth. Meanwhile, lower-income households face higher inflation, especially in essentials like housing and utilities, with spending increases of just 0.9%. Japan's rising Engel's coefficient indicates households are becoming more thrifty, as real wages decline for the 11th consecutive month, and import prices rise due to a weak yen. This divergence suggests that economic gains are increasingly concentrated among the wealthy, risking social and political stability. The trend will likely persist unless policy measures address wage growth and income redistribution, or unless inflationary pressures ease for lower-income groups. The global economy's recovery remains uneven, with wealth and spending disparities shaping future growth trajectories and social cohesion.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights the US's growing wealth inequality, noting that the top 1% now control nearly a third of household wealth, with spending patterns diverging sharply between income groups. The Japan Times reports on Japan's rising Engel's coefficient, reflecting increased thriftiness amid stagnant wages and a weakening yen. Both sources emphasize the widening economic divide, with the US experiencing a 'K-shaped' recovery and Japan facing increased household austerity. The AP News adds that lower-income and rural households in the US face higher inflation, further exacerbating disparities. Meanwhile, The Independent echoes these findings, emphasizing the uneven nature of the economic rebound and the risks of deepening inequality.
How we got here
The global economy has experienced uneven recovery post-pandemic, with high-income households benefiting from rising asset values and spending, while lower-income groups struggle with inflation and stagnant wages. Japan's household expenditure patterns have shifted due to a weakening yen and low income growth, while the US shows a clear 'K-shaped' recovery with wealth concentration among the rich.
Go deeper
Common question
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