The US economy appears remarkably resilient right now, but if you look closer, you’ll see a different picture emerge: a growing divide between America’s wealthiest consumers and everyone else. Economists call this kind of bifurcated economy “K-shaped.” And as the top and bottom of the K have diverged, the overall economy has also become more top-heavy and more fragile.

On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder is joined by Peter Atwater – the economist who popularized the idea of a “K-shaped economy” during the pandemic – and Bloomberg reporter Catarina Saraiva, who covers the federal reserve and labor market. They examine why this gap is widening, how it’s showing up in company earnings reports and what it means for the country’s overall financial health.

Read more: ‘Jenga Tower’ US Economy Teeters as Middle Class Pulls Back Spending

The US economy appears remarkably resilient right now, but if you look closer, you&rsquo;ll see a different picture emerge: a growing divide between America&rsquo;s wealthiest consumers and everyone else. Economists call this kind of bifurcated economy &ldquo;K-shaped.&rdquo; And as the top and bottom of the K have diverged, the overall economy has also become more top-heavy and more fragile.
On today&rsquo;s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder is joined by Peter Atwater &ndash; the economist who popularized the idea of a &ldquo;K-shaped economy&rdquo; during the pandemic &ndash; and Bloomberg reporter Catarina Saraiva, who covers the federal reserve and labor market. They examine why this gap is widening, how it&rsquo;s showing up in company earnings reports and what it means for the country&rsquo;s overall financial health.
Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-06/us-economy-at-risk-of-weakening-with-growing-gap-between-rich-and-poor">&lsquo;Jenga Tower&rsquo; US Economy Teeters as Middle Class Pulls Back Spending</a>

The Big Take from Bloomberg News brings you inside what’s shaping the world's economies with the smartest and most informed business reporters around the world. The context you need on the stories that can move markets. Every afternoon.

The Big Take from Bloomberg News brings you inside what’s shaping the world's economies with the smartest and most informed business reporters around the world. The context you need on the stories that can move markets. Every afternoon.

Big Take

Why a K-Shaped US Economy Is Raising Red Flags

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