The richest 20% are the only ones powering the U.S. economy, says top economist, but their prospects are entirely reliant on teetering stock prices

The U.S. economy is heavily dependent on the spending power of the wealthiest 20%, whose financial health is increasingly tied to stock market performance. This reliance raises concerns about the sustainability of current stock prices and the potential economic impact if there's a market downturn. Economists highlight the precarious nature of this dependency, warning that any significant drop in stock prices could severely affect consumer spending and, consequently, the overall economy. It's a critical issue that underscores the fragility of economic growth tied to such a small segment of the population.