The gap between the richest and poorest Americans is widening in what Fed Chair Jerome Powell called a ‘bifurcated economy.’ Here’s the breakdown. The gap between the richest and poorest Americans is widening in what Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has called a “bifurcated economy,” as the cost of living skyrockets from housing to food prices, but wages for most workers remain stagnant. Basically, high-income individuals are doing well, while lower-income consumers are struggling more and more.