In 2025 and into 2026, the US economy exhibits a K-shaped recovery, with wealthier households benefiting from stock market gains and lower unemployment, while lower and middle-income households face rising living costs, mounting debt, and financial hardship, leading to a divided economic landscape.
In 2025 and into 2026, the US economy exhibits a K-shaped recovery where wealthier households thrive while middle- and lower-income families face increasing financial hardships due to persistent inflation, rising household debt, and uneven economic gains, leading to financial strain for many Americans despite positive macroeconomic indicators.
Despite strong GDP growth and falling gas prices, American consumer confidence remains low due to concerns over household costs, trade policies, and income inequality, creating a paradox where the economy appears to be booming but many Americans do not feel the benefits.
U.S. household debt has hit a record high of $18.59 trillion under President Trump, driven by increases in mortgages, student loans, and auto loans, with student loan delinquencies reaching a new peak, despite the administration's promises to improve economic conditions.
Americans' household debt has reached a record high of $18.59 trillion, driven by increases in mortgages, student loans, credit cards, and auto loans, with student debt hitting $1.65 trillion and delinquency rates rising, especially among student borrowers, though overall household financial health remains relatively strong according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Wolf Street
In Q2 2025, total household debt increased modestly to $18.4 trillion, with a decline in debt-to-income ratio indicating improved consumer financial health, despite a significant spike in delinquent federal student loans as they re-enter credit reports after forbearance. Foreclosures remain low, and third-party collections are at record lows, but the rise in student loan delinquencies and potential future collection actions pose risks to the credit landscape.
US household debt has reached a record $17.94 trillion, with credit cards and auto loans seeing significant increases. Despite this, most households are managing their debt due to rising after-tax incomes, which have outpaced inflation for 18 months. The debt-to-income ratio has improved to 82% from 86% in 2019. However, delinquencies are still rising, indicating financial stress for some households. Factors contributing to higher debt include population growth, increased online spending, and high inflation, while a strong job market supports wage growth.
US households are facing increasing financial pressure due to high levels of debt, with delinquency rates on credit cards and auto loans at their highest in over a decade. The Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes have made it more expensive for consumers to borrow, leading to a significant burden on many families. The high cost of borrowing is not captured in inflation figures and is affecting consumer sentiment, potentially impacting President Joe Biden's reelection bid. Many households are struggling to make ends meet, with some blaming the current administration for the gloomy economy. The return of student loan payments is adding to borrowers' financial stress, shaping the economic outlook for many voters.
Delinquencies on credit card payments have reached their highest level in over a decade, contributing to a rise in household debt surpassing $17.5 trillion. Factors behind the rise in debt include optimism in the economy, inflation, and increased expenses for food, gas, and housing. Younger generations are particularly affected, with their rate of credit card debt increasing faster than older generations. Financial experts advise cutting expenses and increasing income to tackle the problem.
Americans' credit card debt has reached a record high of $1.13 trillion, with a $50 billion increase in the fourth quarter of 2023 alone. Total household debt rose to $17.5 trillion, and delinquencies on credit card payments are on the rise across all age groups, particularly among those aged 30-39. Additionally, auto loan balances have also increased, attributed in part to higher car prices following the pandemic.
Americans' total credit card debt hit a record high of $1.13 trillion at the end of 2023, with card balances increasing by 4.6% in the fourth quarter. Credit card delinquencies also rose, contributing to the overall household debt reaching $17.5 trillion. Factors such as higher living costs and more cardholders carrying over debt from month to month have led to increased financial stress, particularly among younger and lower-income households.
According to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, U.S. households are grappling with a record $1.13 trillion in credit card debt, signaling increasing financial strain, particularly among younger and lower-income Americans. Factors such as inflation and higher interest rates are contributing to this rise in debt, with 49% of credit cardholders carrying debt from month to month. Additionally, credit card delinquencies have surged by over 50% in the past year, reaching 6.4% of all accounts being 90 days past due, while mortgage and auto loan balances have also increased.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit reveals a $212 billion increase in total household debt in the fourth quarter of 2023, with rising delinquencies in credit card and auto loan transitions, particularly among younger and lower-income households. Mortgage balances, home equity lines of credit, credit card balances, and auto loan balances all saw increases, while delinquency transition rates for credit cards and auto loans rose. The report provides insight into U.S. consumer credit conditions and aims to help various entities better understand and respond to trends in borrowing and indebtedness at the household level.
The New York Fed's Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit for the fourth quarter of 2023 reveals that household debt balances increased moderately across most loan types, with auto loan balances continuing to grow steadily. The report also highlights a rise in delinquency rates for auto loans and credit cards, particularly among Millennials and Baby Boomers, and in lower-income areas. The increase in car prices and average loan origination amounts, coupled with higher interest rates, may be contributing to the worsening performance of loans opened in 2022 and 2023.
The New York Federal Reserve reported a more than 50% surge in credit card delinquencies in 2023, with total consumer debt reaching $17.5 trillion. Delinquencies also rose in mortgages, auto loans, and other categories, signaling increased financial stress, particularly among younger and lower-income households. Household debt increased by $212 billion in the quarter, with credit card debt jumping 14.5% from the same period in 2022. Higher interest rates, driven by the Federal Reserve's tightening cycle, likely played a role in the delinquency rates. Despite some forgiveness of student loan debt by President Joe Biden, the total student loan debt remained largely unchanged, while mortgage debt increased by 2.8% in 2023.