Americans’ net worth increases

Rising home values drove a modest increase in Americans’ household wealth to a new high of $85.7 trillion in the April-June quarter.

The Federal Reserve said Americans’ stock portfolios climbed $61 billion in value, while housing wealth increased $499 billion. Total household wealth is up from $85 trillion in the first quarter. Americans also stepped up borrowing, a sign of confidence in the economy.

Total mortgage debt grew at the fastest level since the recession ended in 2009.