Federal Debt Held by the Public
This dataset tracks federal debt held by the public over time.
Latest Value
28932974.00
Year-over-Year Change
21.04%
Date Range
1/1/1970 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The Federal Debt Held by the Public measures the total outstanding debt owed by the U.S. federal government to outside lenders. This is a key indicator of the government's fiscal health and borrowing activity.
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 statistic represents the total value of marketable and non-marketable Treasury securities held by individuals, corporations, state or local governments, foreign governments, and other entities outside the U.S. federal government. It 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
The federal debt level is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and financial markets as it impacts government financing costs, interest rates, and public confidence.
Key Facts
- The U.S. federal debt held by the public was over $23 trillion as of 2022.
- Debt held by the public is around 97% of U.S. GDP as of 2022.
- Foreign governments and institutions hold about 30% of U.S. public debt.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Federal Debt Held by the Public measures the total outstanding debt owed by the U.S. federal government to entities outside the government, such as individuals, corporations, and foreign governments.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The federal debt level is a critical indicator of the government's fiscal health and borrowing activity, which impacts government financing costs, interest rates, and public confidence in the economy.
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: The federal debt level is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and financial markets as it informs decisions about government financing, fiscal policy, and the overall economic outlook.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published regularly by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, with the most recent figures typically available within a few weeks.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Federal Debt Held by the Public (FYGFDPUN), retrieved from FRED.