Trending Now - Stark Graphic Reveals America's Unprecedented Wealth Gap

WHO:

Alternet - The Kobeissi Letter, a financial newsletter, produced a graphic showing the disparity between consumer sentiment and stock market performance.

Common Dreams - Joanne Hsu, director of the University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers, provided insights on consumer sentiment.

WHAT:

Alternet - The S&P 500 has risen by +130% over the last six years, while US Consumer Sentiment has collapsed by -55%, reaching its lowest level since data began in 1952.

Common Dreams - The latest survey from the University of Michigan found consumer sentiment at its lowest level on record.

Common Dreams - Gallup reported that only 16% of Americans rate the economy as excellent or good, with nearly half describing it as poor.

Common Dreams - A recent poll from The Associated Press indicated that GOP approval of Trump on the economy is around 60%, down from 80% three months prior.

Common Dreams - The top 10% of earners in the US account for nearly half of all consumer spending, while the bottom 80% account for less than 40%.

WHERE:

Alternet - The data pertains to the United States economy.

WHEN:

Common Dreams - The graphic was posted on May 23, 2026.

Common Dreams - The Gallup data reflects economic confidence levels as of October 2022.

Common Dreams - The Associated Press poll showing GOP approval of Trump was conducted recently, with a notable change over the past three months.

WHY:

Common Dreams - The decline in consumer sentiment is attributed to concerns over the cost of living, with 57% of consumers mentioning high prices eroding their personal finances, up from 50% the previous month.

HOW:

Alternet - The graphic produced by the Kobeissi Letter matched consumer sentiment data with the performance of the S&P 500 stock index over a 30-year span.

(UPDATED May 24, 2026 01:34 UTC)

A recent graphic from the Kobeissi Letter highlights a striking contrast in the U.S. economy, showing that while the S&P 500 has surged by 130% over the past six years, consumer sentiment has plummeted by 55%, reaching its lowest point since records began in 1952. The University of Michigan's latest survey confirms this trend, revealing that consumer sentiment is at an all-time low, with only 16% of Americans rating the economy as excellent or good, while nearly half describe it as poor. This decline is largely attributed to rising living costs, as 57% of consumers report that high prices are negatively impacting their finances, a significant increase from the previous month.