The Finance 202: U.S. wealth just hit a new record, even as more people steal in order to eat
Tory Newmyer
with Brent D. Griffiths
Americans collectively are richer than ever and getting more so. That fact would come as a surprise to tens of millions, including those who now have to steal to eat.
But the bottom line for the total household net worth in the United States continues to swell: It rose 3.2 percent in the third quarter to $123.5 trillion, a Federal Reserve report showed Thursday. The surging stock market accounted for most of the gain, padding overall wealth by $2.8 trillion over the three-month period. Rising real estate values and increased savings contributed, too.