U.S. Economic Divide Narrows as Consumer Financial Health Improves

The report highlights a shift in consumer demographics, with the 'Striver' segment—those with an index of 49 or below—contracting by 4.2%. Simultaneously, the 'Thriver' population at the top of the index grew by 3.2%. Emmaline Aliff, Advisory Leader at Equifax, noted that while one quarter does not establish a long-term trend, the expansion of the middle tier and the reduction of the most economically sensitive group marks a distinct departure from the patterns observed since the pandemic.

Asset accumulation remains the primary differentiator between these groups. While 78% of Thrivers hold over $1 million in assets, 97% of Strivers manage less than $100,000. This disparity persists despite widespread credit health; nearly 44% of Strivers maintain prime or super-prime credit scores, suggesting that financial vulnerability is driven more by limited savings and low annual income—with 81% earning under $65,000—than by an inability to manage debt obligations. Across all generations, financial metrics improved, with Millennials leading the quarterly gain and Boomers+ retaining their position as the most stable demographic.