Story perspectives

Post-Pandemic K-Shaped Economy Fuels Growing Social Divide

11/14/2025

50 5

Summary

Story summary

Peter Atwater, an economics professor, says the K-shaped economy has widened post-pandemic.
High-income earners feel secure and invest heavily in stocks, while lower-income Americans face growing despair.
The top 20% own about 93% of stocks, with artificial intelligence (AI) firms driving returns.
Atwater warns the divide could spark social unrest as the betrayed feel.
Consumer sentiment mirrors the split, with low-income confidence waning and riskier workplace behavior.

1 of 1

Story summary

Peter Atwater, an economics professor, says the K-shaped economy has widened post-pandemic.
High-income earners feel secure and invest heavily in stocks, while lower-income Americans face growing despair.
The top 20% own about 93% of stocks, with artificial intelligence (AI) firms driving returns.
Atwater warns the divide could spark social unrest as the betrayed feel.
Consumer sentiment mirrors the split, with low-income confidence waning and riskier workplace behavior.