The paper says saving explains about 60% of the rise in wealth. SaneCite found: with the official figure, 40-50%.
Capital is Back (2014). Share of the rise in wealth explained by saving. One of the problems an AI audit listed; our full note.
Share of the rise in wealth explained by saving
The paper (Piketty and Zucman)SaneCite: the official figure (in the authors’ own appendix)
With the official figure, saving explains less and rising asset prices (capital gains) explain more: 50-60%, not about 40%. The answer flips.
Source: SaneCite check of the AI audit of Saez and Zucman’s research. Details. Data as of 9 Nov 2026.
Source: SaneCite check of the AI audit of Saez and Zucman’s research, data as of 9 Nov 2026 · sanecite.com/charts
Show the numbers
| Bar | Value |
|---|---|
| The paper (Piketty and Zucman) | about 60% |
| SaneCite: the official figure (in the authors’ own appendix) | 40-50% |
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