Gross Federal Debt Held by the Public as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
FYPUGDA188S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
94.64
Year-over-Year Change
45.77%
Date Range
1/1/1939 - 1/1/2023
Summary
This economic trend measures the Gross Federal Debt Held by the Public as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is a key indicator of the federal government's fiscal position and debt sustainability.
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
Gross Federal Debt Held by the Public as Percent of GDP represents the total outstanding debt owed by the U.S. federal government to external creditors, such as individuals, corporations, and foreign governments. This metric is closely watched by economists, policymakers, and investors as it provides insight into the government's fiscal health and ability to service its debt obligations.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Historical Context
This trend is used to assess the government's fiscal policies and potential impact on financial markets and the broader economy.
Key Facts
- The U.S. Debt-to-GDP ratio reached a high of 133.4% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Historically, the ratio has ranged from around 23.8% in 1974 to 106.1% in 2011.
- High debt levels can constrain a government's ability to respond to economic shocks or invest in long-term growth.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total outstanding debt owed by the U.S. federal government to external creditors as a percentage of the country's Gross Domestic Product.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The Debt-to-GDP ratio is a crucial indicator of the government's fiscal health and ability to service its debt obligations, which is closely watched by economists, policymakers, and investors.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This trend is used to assess the government's fiscal policies and their potential impact on financial markets and the broader economy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve, but there may be occasional delays or revisions due to the nature of government financial reporting.
Related Trends
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Gross Federal Debt Held by the Public as Percent of Gross Domestic Product (FYPUGDA188S), retrieved from FRED.