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I don't see how income inequality can change without higher taxes on the rich. The middle class earns 10 spends 10. The rich earn 100 spends 20 is taxed 20 inv

I don't see how income inequality can change without higher taxes on the rich. The middle class earns 10 spends 10. The rich earn 100 spends 20 is taxed 20 invests the remaining 60. So next year middle class earns the same 10 the rich earn 100+investment returns. Add inflation and the middle class each year looses purchasing power and more wealth shifts to upper class. It's simple math and the way the tax systems in most of the world work is not going to change.

WalterBright 9y ago
The middle class is quite capable of investing in the stock market. 50% of Americans own stock.
- c256 9y ago
  This story suggests (to me) that number is high, rapidly decreasing, and somewhat misleading, since it includes people with any level of 401k/similar. What’s your source? http://www.businessinsider.com/why-so-few-millennials-invest-in-the-stock-market-2016-7 http://www.businessinsider.com/why-so-few-millennials-invest...
  - WalterBright 9y ago
    I read in the Seattle Times recently, sorry I don't remember the particular article. The figure did include indirect investments, such as via pension plans.
- washadjeffmad 9y ago
  That may be true, but even Walmart encourages associates to invest part of their paychecks in its matched stock programs, which many will pay $25 to sell off for "extra spending money" during the holidays. That's obviously not producing dividends enough to live off of or to reinvest, which is the test here. How many people in the middle class own stock at that level?
  - WalterBright 9y ago
    I didn't think middle class people worked at Walmart. Nevertheless, many corporations offer employees company stock at a discount (these aren't the same as stock options). Those are usually well worth taking advantage of. But still, many choose not to, and that is their choice. They aren't being excluded from stock investing.

WalterBright 9y ago

The middle class is quite capable of investing in the stock market. 50% of Americans own stock.

c256 9y ago
This story suggests (to me) that number is high, rapidly decreasing, and somewhat misleading, since it includes people with any level of 401k/similar. What’s your source? http://www.businessinsider.com/why-so-few-millennials-invest-in-the-stock-market-2016-7 http://www.businessinsider.com/why-so-few-millennials-invest...
- WalterBright 9y ago
  I read in the Seattle Times recently, sorry I don't remember the particular article. The figure did include indirect investments, such as via pension plans.
washadjeffmad 9y ago
That may be true, but even Walmart encourages associates to invest part of their paychecks in its matched stock programs, which many will pay $25 to sell off for "extra spending money" during the holidays. That's obviously not producing dividends enough to live off of or to reinvest, which is the test here. How many people in the middle class own stock at that level?
- WalterBright 9y ago
  I didn't think middle class people worked at Walmart. Nevertheless, many corporations offer employees company stock at a discount (these aren't the same as stock options). Those are usually well worth taking advantage of. But still, many choose not to, and that is their choice. They aren't being excluded from stock investing.