America's Premium Economy: Upgrading Spending While Homeownership Slips
Americans are increasingly trading up to premium goods and experiences—better groceries, travel, and higher-brand products—while the dream of owning a home and securing retirement wealth remains out of reach for many. The rise of an upper-middle class is shifting profits toward higher-quality retailers and airlines, with travel and experiences expanding while price-focused discount players shrink; economists warn the economy could flatten if inflation eases and AI investments help lower-income purchasing power, potentially converging the gulf between classes over time.
