[neutronsgalore]

"You'd say yes, but do you have any proof? Page 110 of 124 shows our net worth has increased over 25% since 2001."

When you say "our net worth" are you talking about the entire US population? Of which increases in net worth of the top 5-10% can be vastly higher than decreases in the net worth of the remaining 90-95%, skewing the data. So you can have 10% of the population gain in net worth, the rest decrease, and still get the same rosy picture.

[Toddsterpatriot]

When you say "our net worth" are you talking about the entire US population?

Of course I am.

Of which increases in net worth of the top 5-10% can be vastly higher than decreases in the net worth of the remaining 90-95%, skewing the data. So you can have 10% of the population gain in net worth, the rest decrease, and still get the same rosy picture.

Great, I proved that national assets have increased faster than national liabilities. Now all you need to do is prove your point. Maybe research median household net worth. Good luck.

[Mase]

So you can have 10% of the population gain in net worth, the rest decrease, and still get the same rosy picture.

"Maybe research median household net worth."

From conservative economist Stephen Moore:

"Turning from income to wealth, data from the Fed provide further confirmation of family economic gains for the middle class. The total net worth of Americans rose to just shy of $50 trillion in 2004. The Fed has not yet calculated the median household wealth for 2004, but we estimated that number by taking the average ratio of mean wealth to median family wealth over the past 10 years. This yields an estimate of $105,000 in 2004. This is almost double the median family-wealth level of 1983 and nearly triple the level of 1962. Until very recently, for a family to attain six figures of wealth was considered quite rich. Despite all of the groans about the over-indebtedness of American households, the new Federal Reserve Board data suggest that the family balance sheet is not highly levered. The ratio of debt to assets is only 18.3%."

WSJ: The Great American Dream Machine (Subscription Required)

Looks like the rising tide is lifting all boats. In 1980, only 25% of Americans were invested in the stock market. Today, more than 52% of Americans are invested. Considering the large increase in population since 1980, and the fact the market doubles in value every 7-8 years, it is impossible to deny that the incredible increase in our net worth has benefited all quintiles of our population.