Federal Debt Held by Private Investors
FDHBPIN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
24,690.70
Year-over-Year Change
36.26%
Date Range
1/1/1970 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The Federal Debt Held by Private Investors measures the portion of the U.S. national debt held by private investors rather than government agencies. This metric is a key indicator of the federal government's reliance on private debt markets.
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
Federal debt held by private investors represents the total marketable debt obligations of the U.S. government that are owned by non-governmental entities such as individuals, businesses, and foreign investors. This figure excludes debt held by federal agencies and the Federal Reserve.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Historical Context
Tracking this metric helps analysts and policymakers assess the government's fiscal health and ability to finance its operations.
Key Facts
- Federal debt held by private investors reached a record high of $21.6 trillion in 2021.
- The share of federal debt held by private investors has increased from around 30% in the 1970s to over 70% today.
- Private foreign investors hold over 40% of the federal debt held by private investors.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Federal Debt Held by Private Investors (FDHBPIN) measures the portion of the U.S. national debt that is owned by non-governmental entities such as individuals, businesses, and foreign investors.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Tracking this metric helps analysts and policymakers assess the government's reliance on private debt markets to finance its operations and obligations, which is an important indicator of fiscal health.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and economists use this metric to analyze the government's ability to manage its debt, the potential impact on financial markets, and implications for fiscal and monetary policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly with a lag of approximately 2 months.
Related Trends
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Federal Debt Held by Private Investors (FDHBPIN), retrieved from FRED.