The most important chart of 2014, explained in under a minute

By Matthew Yglesias and Joe Posner Sep 30, 2014, 4:10pm EDT

This is a shocking chart.

The bottom 90% used to see the majority of the income growth during economic expansion.

But in the current recovery, the bottom 90% actually saw incomes shrink while the top 10% saw incomes soar.

This explains why 72% of Americans said the US was still in recession in a recent survey.

Will you support Vox’s explanatory journalism?

Millions turn to Vox to educate themselves, their family, and their friends about what’s happening in the world around them, and to learn about things that spark their curiosity. Financial contributions from our readers are a critical part of supporting our resource-intensive work and help us keep our journalism free for all. Please consider making a one-time contribution to Vox today.

One-Time Monthly Annual

$95/year

$120/year

$250/year

$350/year

Other

Yes, I'll give $120/year

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via

The most important chart of 2014, explained in under a minute

This is a shocking chart.

The bottom 90% used to see the majority of the income growth during economic expansion.

But in the current recovery, the bottom 90% actually saw incomes shrink while the top 10% saw incomes soar.

This explains why 72% of Americans said the US was still in recession in a recent survey.

The Latest

The banking crisis might not be over

Joe Biden’s first veto takes on Republicans’ war on “woke capitalism”

UN climate scientists are running out of ways to warn us

Putin and Xi’s big Moscow meeting, briefly explained

Vox’s March Highlight Issue Is a Package Examining Doomerism

The hush money case that may lead to Trump’s indictment, explained

The most important chart of 2014, explained in under a minute

Share this story

Share All sharing options for: The most important chart of 2014, explained in under a minute

This is a shocking chart.

The bottom 90% used to see the majority of the income growth during economic expansion.

But in the current recovery, the bottom 90% actually saw incomes shrink while the top 10% saw incomes soar.

This explains why 72% of Americans said the US was still in recession in a recent survey.

Next Up In Video

Sign up for the newsletter Future Perfect

Thanks for signing up!

The Latest

The banking crisis might not be over

Joe Biden’s first veto takes on Republicans’ war on “woke capitalism”

UN climate scientists are running out of ways to warn us

Putin and Xi’s big Moscow meeting, briefly explained

Vox’s March Highlight Issue Is a Package Examining Doomerism

The hush money case that may lead to Trump’s indictment, explained

All sharing options for: The most important chart of 2014, explained in under a minute