In 2024, top CEOs added billions to their pay. Palantir’s Alexander Karp gained over $1,000,000,000 in stock. Broadcom’s Hock Tan raked in $1,150,000,000. A dozen other CEOs landed $50,000,000 to $100,000,000. It was a record year for the executive class.
https://www.wsj.com/business/c-suite/ceo-pay-growth-structure-63b91e62
While the rich leveled up, millions of families went under. According to the Wall Street Journal, many households making more than they used to are still falling behind. Rent, food, and debt are crushing. “They feel like they’re working harder but ending up worse off,” the report noted.
https://www.wsj.com/economy/earning-more-worse-shape-poverty-overwhelms-families-eab13800
Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi said the U.S. is now “on the precipice of recession.” He pointed to job softness, slow growth, and rising costs. Zandi is one of the most cautious voices on Wall Street, but even he sees a cliff approaching.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5435435-mark-zandi-moodys-recession-jobs-report-us-economy/
Big miss in earnings.
An economic bellwether. pic.twitter.com/Q7FUBxvKiR
— The Great Martis (@great_martis) August 5, 2025
I have a question for Ford and Caterpillar. You are some of the biggest customers of foreign parts suppliers. Are you tell me you don’t have the negotiation skills to get them to eat at least half of the tariff cost? Learn to flex.
— Bill Mitchell (@mitchellvii) August 5, 2025
U.S. credit scores have dropped for the first time in a decade. It’s a key signal. Scores usually rise when people are financially stable. A fall means pressure is mounting. Also, Caterpillar missed its earnings target. That shook Wall Street because Caterpillar is a bellwether for construction and industrial activity.
It’s not one red flag. It’s a storm system. The rich are stacking wealth at the top while the foundation erodes from underneath. Anyone still calling this a soft landing isn’t looking at the landing gear.
