What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to examine the differences in wealth accumulation between Black and White households in older age, focusing on the impact of initial wealth.

May 16, 2026AEA Papers and Proceedings

The Harder They Fall: Diverging Black-White Wealth in Older Age Using the Health and Retirement Study

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Authors

TZTeegawende H. ZeidaBrock University WJWilliam A. Darity Jr.Howard University SMSamuel L. MyersUniversity of Minnesota System

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Implication

This research documents slower wealth accumulation in wealthier Black households versus White households, highlighting racial disparities.

Key Points

The aim is to examine the differences in wealth accumulation between Black and White households in older age, focusing on the impact of initial wealth.
Utilized data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS)
Analyzed wealth accumulation patterns among Black and White households with similar initial wealth
Controlled for portfolio composition and examined the effects of earnings risk
Wealthier Black households show slower wealth accumulation compared to White households with similar wealth.
Racial wealth accumulation gaps contribute to widening wealth disparities in late life.
Findings support the notion that racial differences in wealth downside risks influence accumulation patterns.

Cite This Study

Zeida et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a080af2a487c87a6a40d10d https://doi.org/10.1257/pandp.20261124

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Implication

This research documents slower wealth accumulation in wealthier Black households versus White households, highlighting racial disparities.

The Harder They Fall: Diverging Black-White Wealth in Older Age Using the Health and Retirement Study

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

The Harder They Fall: Diverging Black-White Wealth in Older Age Using the Health and Retirement Study

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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