U.S. workers took home their smallest share of capital since at least 1947

U.S. workers earned their smallest share of national income since record-keeping began in 1947, receiving just 52.8% of GDP in the second quarter of 2026, even as corporate profits hit record highs and overall economic growth exceeded expectations. The decline reflects a shift toward capital over wages, with unemployment rising to 4.2% as the workforce shrinks despite robust economic expansion.