The government and Wall Street operate in a symbiotic relationship. The Federal Reserve sets interest rates, controls inflation, and manages the money supply, while Wall Street reacts by adjusting investments, borrowing strategies, and market prices. Here’s how they influence your financial world:

1. The Federal Reserve: The Market’s Puppet Master

The Federal Reserve (the Fed) is the ultimate power player in shaping the economy. By raising or lowering interest rates, it dictates whether businesses expand, whether homebuyers can afford mortgages, and whether your stock portfolio thrives or stumbles. When the Fed lowers rates, borrowing becomes cheaper, driving stock market gains. But when rates rise, stock prices fall, impacting your retirement savings, investment portfolios, and home equity.

2. Government Spending & Fiscal Policies

Every year, Congress passes budgets that determine tax rates, stimulus packages, and federal spending. When the government injects money into the economy—whether through infrastructure projects, bailouts, or stimulus checks—Wall Street benefits first. Stock markets react favorably to government spending, boosting corporate profits and shareholder returns. But do everyday investors and taxpayers see the same level of reward?

3. Bailouts & Financial Safety Nets for Wall Street

When financial crises hit, who gets rescued first? Big banks and corporations. The 2008 financial crisis saw the government funnel billions into failing banks under the notion of saving the economy. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic led to massive stimulus packages that propped up financial markets while many small businesses struggled. Meanwhile, everyday Americans received one-time checks that barely covered a month’s rent.

4. Stock Market & Retirement Accounts: Your Money, Their Playground

Government policies encourage workers to invest in the stock market through tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. This creates a system where the average American’s wealth is directly tied to Wall Street’s success. But while financial firms rake in billions from investment fees, dividends, and market gains, everyday investors often see modest returns.

5. The Banking System & Consumer Debt

Banks and Wall Street firms profit from consumer debt—mortgages, credit cards, student loans—while the government ensures these institutions remain solvent through deposit insurance (FDIC) and regulations. Banks borrow money at near-zero interest rates from the Fed but charge consumers high-interest rates on loans. Why aren’t we getting better loan terms or higher interest on savings accounts?

6. The Role of Big Corporations & CEOs

Big corporations and billionaire CEOs like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Jamie Dimon play a massive role in this financial ecosystem. These corporate giants benefit from government tax breaks, subsidies, and policies that allow them to accumulate massive wealth while the average worker sees stagnant wages.

• Stock Buybacks: Many large companies use profits to buy back their own stocks, inflating share prices rather than investing in employees or lowering consumer costs. This benefits executives and shareholders but leaves little for everyday workers.
• Low Corporate Taxes: Despite record profits, many multinational corporations pay little in taxes thanks to government incentives and loopholes. Meanwhile, middle-class Americans carry a disproportionate tax burden.
• Lobbying Power: Billionaire CEOs and corporations have vast political influence, shaping policies that favor their businesses over the interests of everyday Americans. Laws that regulate banking, investment practices, and labor markets often serve the elite first.
• Wealth Accumulation: Musk, Bezos, and others continue to expand their fortunes, benefiting from policies that allow them to amass billions while workers struggle with rising costs of living and limited financial security.

Where Are Our Dividends?

With so much wealth being generated by the partnership between the government and Wall Street, why aren’t everyday Americans getting a larger piece of the pie? Here’s how we could—or should—be benefitting more:

1. Higher Dividends for Everyday Investors

If government policies are designed to keep Wall Street profitable, there should be a larger return to individual investors. Why not require companies that benefit from government subsidies, tax cuts, or bailouts to distribute larger dividends to everyday shareholders?

2. Better Interest Rates on Savings Accounts

The government allows banks to borrow at rock-bottom interest rates, yet consumers see little return on their savings. Policies should mandate better interest rates for deposit accounts, ensuring that everyday savers benefit from economic growth.

3. Tax Benefits for Individual Investors

Corporations enjoy massive tax breaks, but what about the average investor? Expanding tax benefits for individual stockholders and retirement account holders would help more Americans build long-term wealth.

4. More Transparency and Consumer Protections

Wall Street thrives on complex financial instruments that often work against the individual investor. Stronger oversight, greater transparency in fee structures, and tougher regulations on predatory lending would help protect consumers.

The Bottom Line: Demand Your Share

The government and Wall Street will continue their financial dance, but that doesn’t mean everyday Americans should settle for scraps. The economy thrives because of hardworking people who contribute through labor, spending, and investing. It’s time for policies that ensure a fairer distribution of wealth—whether through better interest rates, larger dividends, or greater financial protections.

If the system is built to support corporate America, then it should be equally designed to support the everyday investor. After all, your money is fueling the economy—why shouldn’t you get more in return?