Nope you got it wrong. The driver on corporate profits was mostly individuals when I was a kid after WW11 but then we advanced pension plans, IRA's, 401k's, many many retirement savings plans. Most folks have them through some one like Vanguard ( my union pension ) or AIG Valic ( my IRA ) and THEY WATCH THE BLOODY RETURN ON INVESTMENT. Low return roll it into someone else's with low or no fees and stable returns. 7% is about the rock bottom one can stomach in a fund but the last 12 months mine did 12% but lost some with the latest fiasco in DC. Bottom line is these funds put huge pressure on corporations for profits in fact it was the main driver behind Weyco going RIT and laying off thousands to make more from lower taxes.

When I opened my first savings account it paid 4% and CD's much more. You can not save cash and protect it with the current Federal Reserve policies so it is stock, commodities or something and most folks do managed funds. It is the Catch 22 as lower corporate profits and dividends less return to the massive retirement funds and want to watch either party get there asses kicked high and wide? Start screwing with the boomers pensions or younger folks IRA's and 401k's growth as they figure Soc Sec is toast for them. Custer had better odds of surviving!