In the U.S. stock market, a relatively small percentage of the population holds the vast majority of shares. Specifically, the wealthiest 10% of Americans own 89% to 93% of all U.S. stocks, with the top 1% owning over half. This concentration of ownership highlights the significant role the stock market plays in wealth inequality.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Top 10%: This group holds the largest share of stocks.
- Top 1%: Within the top 10%, the wealthiest individuals, the top 1%, own a substantial portion, exceeding 50%.
- Bottom 90%: The remaining 90% of Americans own a relatively small fraction of the stock market, often less than 11%.
This concentration of ownership has been a topic of discussion and analysis, particularly in relation to wealth inequality and the role of the stock market in wealth accumulation.