Equifax’s Q2 2026 Market Pulse Index rose from 60.9 to 61.3, marking modest quarterly improvement and the first pause in the widening K-shaped economic gap in three years. The Middle segment expanded 0.9%, Thrivers grew 3.2% and Strivers fell 4.2%, while all four age groups recorded higher index values. Assets remained the clearest dividing line: nearly 78% of Thrivers held more than $1 million, while over 97% of Strivers had less than $100,000. The findings also showed that financial capacity cannot be assessed through credit scores alone, as consumers with similar credit profiles can occupy different segments based on assets, debt and income. 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%.