The main difference is that in this country we tax the bejasus out of income but leave wealth alone, thereby making it harder to turn income into wealth.Note that income and wealth are different, although related.
Wealth data here:
From an income point of view we are amongst the most unequal in the EU before State redistribution but amongst the most equal after State redistribution. When people claim that the country is run for the benefit of the rich I point out that if that is so then they are doing a terrible job of looking after themselves.I wonder how the numbers on some form of support from Govt, be it housing, or income payment, skews this. Maybe it doesn't.
If I can pay all the bills, run a nice car, pay the mortgage and socialise but still have a surplus then it's easy for me to do a bit of future planning with the surplus. It's also more attractive as my capital assets appreciate far faster than my income increases.I see the figures in these stats. I find them hard to reconcile with what I see though. I see people living at a level that seems at odds with their income. Mostly at the low and middle earners. Anyone I know at the top end of earners, is relatively, frugal, in context of that they earn. Its not just that people are living beyond their means, or its all on credit, or very good at making the most of their money.
I would see AAM reflects some of these. You have people on low incomes struggling. You have people on high incomes mainly future planning, or investing. Well off people being frugal. That makes sense. You don't really get the people living way beyond their means or a credit bubble.