记者观察：圣诞灯光下的美国“K型”经济裂痕

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the "K-shaped" economic recovery in the U.S., where high-income consumers continue to spend while middle and low-income consumers are forced to cut back on expenditures due to rising living costs [1][2]. Group 1: Consumer Behavior - During the holiday season, 62% of American consumers reported experiencing additional financial pressure due to holiday spending, with 87% planning to shop primarily at discount stores [2]. - Interviews reveal that many consumers are significantly reducing their holiday budgets, with individuals like James Figueroa planning to spend around $1,200, which is much lower than previous years [4]. - The chairman of Kroger noted that middle and low-income consumers are more focused on the actual value of products, using coupons more frequently, and significantly reducing discretionary spending [4]. Group 2: Economic Inequality - The "K-shaped" economic divide is rooted in changes in wealth creation and distribution in the U.S. over the past decades, with the Gini coefficient for income inequality at its second-highest historical level [6]. - Wage growth, once a pathway to economic wealth, has stagnated, while income from investments and capital has seen exponential growth, leading to a decline in purchasing power for middle-income families [6]. - The economic structure has been shaped by globalization and tax policies favoring capital over labor, contributing to the current distribution patterns [6]. Group 3: Broader Economic Context - The number of millionaires in the U.S. has approached 24 million, with a daily increase of about 1,000 individuals, indicating a concentration of wealth among high-income households [8]. - Despite overall economic growth, reliance on specific sectors like finance and technology masks underlying issues in manufacturing and employment, with rising long-term unemployment and layoffs [8][10]. - Economic growth data may not accurately reflect the health of the economy, as excluding certain investments shows a much lower GDP growth rate of only 0.1% for the first half of 2025 [10]. Group 4: Political Implications - Economic anxiety is reshaping the political landscape, with rising living costs becoming a central issue in political discussions, particularly as it relates to the 2024 presidential election [11]. - A recent poll indicated that 20% of self-identified Republicans believe the government is responsible for the current economic situation, highlighting a bipartisan concern over living costs [11]. - The focus on affordability is expected to remain a key issue in upcoming elections, reflecting widespread public sentiment regarding economic pressures [11].