Reported at michaelwest.com.au: Australians experience increasing financial strain despite being among the wealthiest globally, as middle-income households face a shrinking economic position.

A Melbourne Institute study shows that while low-wealth households saw significant gains in net wealth, the gap between middle and high-wealth households has widened, exacerbated by rising housing costs that lock many out of homeownership.

The research underscores that the growing wealth inequality, particularly in property ownership, contributes to economic instability and worsened living conditions for middle-income earners.