Households aged 55 and over in the United States held nearly $140 trillion in wealth in the second quarter of 2026, accounting for roughly three-quarters of the nation’s total net worth, according to a Bank of America Institute report released on October 1. This demographic, which represents about 31% of the population, controls a disproportionate share of financial assets, including 54% of all U.S. stocks.
The surge in wealth among older Americans is linked to strong equity market performance driven by technology stocks and artificial intelligence. Senior economist David Michael Tinsley noted that these households have seen their net worth increase by more than 20% over the past two years. The rally was powered by gains in the S&P 500, where the Magnificent Seven tech companies contributed over half of last year’s gains, and technology stocks accounted for 85% of the index’s return through mid-May 2026, according to Goldman Sachs strategists.
This concentration of wealth gives older Americans significant spending power, particularly in travel and leisure sectors. The Bank of America Institute highlighted that the combination of their financial capacity, growing population share, and increased free time makes this group an influential market segment for consumer-focused businesses. Analysts from Capgemini emphasized that AI-driven returns have been a key structural factor behind equity market performance, benefiting this age group’s investments.
The demographic trend and wealth distribution underscore the importance of older households in the U.S. economy. Census Bureau estimates confirm that while they make up less than a third of the population, their control of assets positions them as critical consumers. The Bank of America Institute’s October 1 report provides the latest comprehensive data on this wealth concentration.