Wealth gap ...

Economy Overview - The headline numbers of the economy look pretty good, with the stock market at record highs and more 401k millionaires than ever before [3] - The labor market shows 147,000 jobs added, which is right on average, and the unemployment rate is at 41% [4] - Inflation has been tamer than expected, with egg and gas prices decreasing, putting more money in people's pockets [5] Economic Slowdown - The economy is slowing down, with first quarter GDP growing only 05%, a significant decrease from the previous quarter's 24% [6] - This slowdown is attributed to less manufacturing, construction, and industrial production, with companies and small businesses pulling back due to tariff concerns [6] - Home affordability is a concern, with home prices at all-time highs and rising costs for buying or renting, leading to increased consumer debt and credit card APRs around 24% [7] Economic Challenges - The resumption of student loan payments is putting pressure on people's finances, leading to rising delinquencies [8] - The potential expiration of tariff freezes introduces uncertainty, with possible dramatic effects or more smoke than fire [9][10] - Cuts to subsidies, especially for lower-income individuals, Medicare, and SNAP programs, along with potential loss of healthcare, create uncertainty [11] Wealth Disparity - The widening wealth gap is a concern, as those who don't own stocks or assets like homes are being left out of the prosperity [12][13] - While half of Americans who own stocks or property are doing well, those trying to get a mortgage face rates of 66% and average home prices around $400,000 [14] - Tax cuts may have an opposite wealth effect, as those on Medicaid or SNAP may contribute less to the economy due to a lack of surplus [15][16]

While in the top phase, most of these strengths are sustained, embedded within the fruits of their success are the seeds of their decline. As a rule, as people in these rich and powerful countries earn more, that makes them more expensive and less competitive relative to people in other countries who are willing to work for less. At the same time, people in other countries naturally copy the methods and technologies of the leading power, which further reduces the leading power's competitiveness.For example, ...