CNBC
Is the K-shaped economy ending? Finance pros weigh in
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
New data shows income and spending gaps have narrowed compared to their pandemic-era peaks, according to recent economic analysis. Household financial metrics present varying trends across income groups, with some measures improving while others remain elevated. Economists have not reached consensus on whether the K-shaped divergence between higher and lower earners is fundamentally shifting or temporarily fluctuating.
