The stock market's rise to record levels fueled a big increase in U.S. household wealth in the final three months of last year.
The wealth gains could lead to more spending, lifting the economy, but the increases aren't widely shared.
The Federal Reserve says Americans' stock and mutual fund portfolios jumped $728 billion in value in the October-December quarter, while home values rose $557 billion.
Total household wealth, which includes checking and savings accounts and subtracts mortgages and other debt, jumped 2.3 per cent to $92.8 trillion.
Still, not all Americans are reaping the gains. The wealthiest 10 per cent of Americans own 80 per cent of the stock market. And younger Americans are less likely to be homeowners than previous generations, as renting increased in the wake of the housing bubble.
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.