U.S. Household Wealth Growth and the Widening Stock Ownership Gap

An overview of the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances data on U.S. household wealth between 2022 and 2025. The material examines overall wealth changes and the growing divide between older, wealthier households and other groups, with a focus on stock market participation.

■ Overall wealth trends
- Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, released every three years
- Median household wealth rose 2% to $216,000 between 2022 and 2025

■ Stock ownership divide
- Direct stock ownership declined from 21% to 19%; total stock ownership including retirement accounts and mutual funds fell from 58% to 56%
- Most declines occurred among less wealthy and younger households
- Median holdings for those remaining in the market increased 36% to $77,000
- Top 10% median stock portfolios grew by more than $500,000 to $1.7 million

■ Age and wealth contrast
- Households over 75 are the wealthiest, with median net worth of $1.9 million, up 37% since 2022
- Households under 35 saw a 23% decline in wealth

■ Ownership rates by wealth group
- Lower half: about one-third own stocks
- Above median: about 77% own stocks
- Top 10%: about 97% own stocks

For viewers interested in economic trends, wealth inequality, and personal finance, this provides context on recent Federal Reserve data and household balance sheets. It may help viewers understand how stock market participation relates to wealth outcomes across age and income groups.