Equifax Reports First Pause in K-Shaped Economic Gap Since 2023
The Q2 2026 Equifax Market Pulse Index rose slightly from 60.9 to 61.3, marking the first pause in the widening K-shaped economic gap observed over the past three years. Despite record-low consumer sentiment, financial stability improved across all generations due primarily to wealth and asset cushions rather than credit scores or income alone. For the first time since early 2023, there was no further divergence between high- and low-income groups in the K-shaped economy. The Thrivers segment (Index above 80) grew by 3.2%, while Strivers (Index of 49 or below), who are most economically vulnerable, saw their sharpest decline at -4.2%. Assets remain a key differentiator between segments, with nearly 78% of Thrivers holding over $1 million in assets compared to less than $100,000 for the majority of Strivers. Every generation showed improvement across all age groups, with Millennials leading gains and experiencing the largest drop in their share of Strivers. The Middle segment (Index between 50–79), representing nearly 70% of U.S. consumers, expanded slightly by 0.9%, signaling a potential shift after years of contraction.
Tickers: $EFX
Topics: consumer financial health economic inequality Market Pulse Index