By now, you've likely heard the theory of the K-shaped economy in the United States. Unlike a V-shaped economy, where all boats are lifted, a K-shaped economy has one group prospering while another sinks.On the upper tier of the K, you have affluent consumers who own plenty of stocks, property, or other assets. With the stock market closing in on its third straight 15% annual gain and home prices still near record highs, affluent consumers have a strong financial cushion and are not burdened by higher price ...