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Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/economy/ over-65-congratulations-you-own-the-economy-5acea4c4 1. Economy ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Capital Account Over 65? Congratulations, You Own the Economy The elderly are physically and financially healthier than ever. So why do their needs keep taking priority over younger generations? Share Resize --------------------------------------------------------------------- Listen (2 min) People 70 and over, share of... [Header-cap] 32% ...Population ...Net worth 19% 12% 8% 1989 2024 1989 2025 [Header-cap] 32% ...Population ...Net worth 19% 12% 8% 1989 2024 1989 2025 [Header-cap] 32% ...Population ...Net worth 19% 12% 8% 1989 2024 1989 2025 [Header-cap] 32% ...Population ...Net worth 19% 12% 8% 1989 2024 1989 2025 [Header-cap] 32% ...Population ...Net worth 19% 12% 8% 1989 2024 1989 2025 Source: Federal Reserve Greg Ip By Greg Ip Demographics, rising profits and soaring asset values have together wrought a quiet transformation in the American economy. Much of it is now in the hands of the elderly. As of the third quarter of last year, people 70 and over controlled roughly 39% of all equities and mutual funds owned by households, compared with 22% in 2007, according to Federal Reserve data. Their share of net worth--assets minus debts--was 32%, up from 20% two decades earlier. Copyright (c)2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8