Chart of the Day: U.S. Households' Net Worth

 Today’s Chart of the Day from the article "They're Rich but Not Famous - and They're Suddenly Everywhere," in the Wall Street Journal highlights inflation-adjusted net worth across major wealth tiers.

Over the past several decades, U.S. capitalism has strongly rewarded both investors and business owners. The number of ultrawealthy households has grown substantially, driven by an increase of more than 100,000 households with net worths of $30 million or more.

Traditionally, American families have relied on homeownership as a primary path to wealth, and many have benefited from recent gains in home values. However, the past decade has generated significant wealth for individuals leading companies through stock compensation, as well as for those holding equity in private businesses.

With the S&P 500 more than tripling over the past decade, it’s hard to argue with the idea that compound interest really might be the eighth wonder of the world.