“斩杀线”下的美国：年薪百万的中产，也怕一次意外

Core Viewpoint - The concept of "killing line" has emerged in discussions about the precarious financial situation of many Americans, particularly the middle class, who face severe economic pressures that can lead to financial ruin and homelessness [5][8][30]. Group 1: Economic Conditions - The poverty line for a family of four in the U.S. is set at an annual income of $32,150, but a more realistic figure to maintain basic living standards is approximately $136,500, or about 960,000 RMB [11][12]. - A quarter of American households are living paycheck to paycheck, spending nearly all their income on essential expenses [14]. - 37% of Americans cannot cover an unexpected expense of $400, indicating widespread financial vulnerability [15]. Group 2: Homelessness Crisis - The total number of homeless individuals in the U.S. surged by 18% in 2024 compared to the previous year [19]. - Young people under 25 accounted for 27% of the homeless population, with their numbers increasing by 29% [20]. - The number of homeless children rose by 33%, with at least 148,000 minors living in shelters or on the streets [21]. Group 3: K-shaped Economic Recovery - The U.S. economy is experiencing a "K-shaped" recovery, where the wealthy benefit disproportionately from economic growth, primarily driven by technology and capital returns, while the lower-income groups face stagnation [30][33]. - The contribution of AI-related investments to GDP growth reached 1.57 percentage points in the first half of 2025, surpassing that of private consumption [31]. - The manufacturing sector's value added fell below 10% for the first time in 2024, highlighting a shift away from traditional economic drivers [32]. Group 4: Structural Issues - The labor market is characterized by a "double weakness" in supply and demand, with rising unemployment and job instability for low-income workers due to technological advancements [35]. - The average commercial electricity price in the U.S. has increased by about 30% since 2019, contributing to higher living costs for families [36]. - Economic policies have disproportionately benefited the wealthiest, with the lowest income households potentially losing around $1,600 annually due to tax reforms [38]. Group 5: Policy Challenges - Policymakers face the challenge of balancing capital market prosperity with rising living costs for voters, which could lead to significant economic risks if not managed properly [39]. - The ongoing low-interest-rate environment primarily benefits asset markets, offering limited relief to ordinary families struggling with debt [39]. - The structural imbalance in the economy has led to a situation where a single financial shock can trigger a cascade of negative outcomes for vulnerable households [40].