Equifax’s Market Pulse Index rose to 61.3 in the second quarter of 2026 from 60.9 in the previous quarter, marking modest improvement in U.S. consumer financial health and the first pause in the widening K-shaped economic gap in three years. The national average remained slightly below its level a year earlier. Thrivers increased 3.2%, the Middle expanded 0.9% and Strivers contracted 4.2%, while the index improved across all four age groups. Assets remained the clearest dividing line: nearly 78% of Thrivers held more than $1 million, while more than 97% of Strivers held less than $100,000. The index rose even as University of Michigan consumer sentiment fell to 49.5, its lowest reading since tracking began, while late debt payments improved from 2.1% to 1.9%.