More K-shaped spending episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 12, 2026 · 25 MIN

More K-shaped spending

from Marketplace · host Marketplace

When high earners ramp up their spending while low earners pull back, that’s a symptom of a "k-shaped" economy. But what about middle-income households? New evidence shows the middle class is also struggling in comparison to the wealthiest Americans. It’s sort of like a K shape within a K shape. After that: Newer firms are more likely to offer work-from-home options, Washington National Opera has financial reasons for splitting from the Kennedy Center, and we check in with a few small businesses ahead of an upcoming inflation report.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 12, 2026

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More K-shaped spending

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