Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Can someone explain that US personal income $18.5 Trillion figure? That’s approaching the entire GDP.


> Seasonally adjusted annual rate

This means that if the trend were to continue for a year, the amount of personal income would be that figure. GDP is always an annual figure.

It's not clear if "personal income" is just cash or includes benefits (like health care).

It's also possible that people who are laid off / furloughed are dipping into their retirement funds, because the administration gave guidance that doing so right now would not be penalized for those who are economically impacted (please don't do trust me and verify with your accountant).


The federal government is giving unemployed people 600 per week (31,200 a year, 15 an hour on a 40 hour work week) on top of state benefits regardless of their income so anyone making less than that is making more on the federal government alone which is why total income has gone up.


National income is ~= national GDP

GDP is almost just a fun figure for economists to use in back of the napkin math.




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: