Equifax: K-Shaped Economy Gap Pauses for First Time in 3 Years
Atlanta – September 28, 2026 -- The three-year widening of America's K-shaped economy paused in the second quarter of 2026, according to new data from Equifax, as top-tier consumers gained ground while the most financially strained households pulled back sharply.
Thrivers gain 3.2% while Strivers contract 4.2%, the sharpest drop since Q4 2023
The Equifax Market Pulse Index recorded a 3.2% quarterly increase among Thrivers (Index above 80), a 0.9% rise in the Middle segment (Index 50-79), which represents nearly 70% of the U.S. population, and a 4.2% contraction among Strivers (Index of 49 and below). "For the last three years, we have watched the gap between the top and the bottom of the 'K' widen, while the middle class shrank. In the second quarter of 2026, that pattern paused," said Emmaline Aliff, Advisory Leader at Equifax.