Federal Debt Held by Federal Reserve Banks

This dataset tracks federal debt held by federal reserve banks over time.

Latest Value

4556.36

Year-over-Year Change

-27.16%

Date Range

1/1/1970 - 1/1/2025

Summary

The Federal Debt Held by Federal Reserve Banks measures the total outstanding debt securities owned by the Federal Reserve. This metric provides insight into the Federal Reserve's monetary policy actions and their impact on the broader economy.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

This series tracks the amount of U.S. government debt instruments, such as Treasury securities, that are held in the Federal Reserve's System Open Market Account (SOMA). The level of federal debt on the Fed's balance sheet is a key indicator of the central bank's ongoing efforts to stimulate the economy through asset purchases.

Methodology

The data is collected and reported by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Historical Context

Policymakers and market analysts closely monitor changes in the Federal Reserve's balance sheet as an important signal of monetary policy direction.

Key Facts

  • The Federal Reserve has been a major holder of U.S. government debt since the 2008 financial crisis.
  • Federal debt held by the Fed reached a record high of over $6 trillion in 2022.
  • The Fed's bond holdings influence long-term interest rates and overall financial conditions.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Federal Debt Held by Federal Reserve Banks tracks the total value of U.S. government debt securities owned by the Federal Reserve.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This metric provides insight into the Fed's monetary policy actions and their impact on financial markets and the broader economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected and reported directly by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and market analysts monitor changes in the Fed's balance sheet as a key indicator of monetary policy direction.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is reported weekly with minimal publication delays.

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Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Federal Debt Held by Federal Reserve Banks (FDHBFRBN), retrieved from FRED.
Economic Data: Federal Debt Held by Federal Reserve Banks