Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
GFDEBTN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
36,214,310.00
Year-over-Year Change
19.12%
Date Range
1/1/1966 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The Federal Debt: Total Public Debt metric measures the total outstanding debt of the U.S. federal government. This key indicator provides insights into the government's fiscal position and can inform economic and policy decisions.
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
The Federal Debt: Total Public Debt series tracks the total value of marketable and non-marketable securities issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It represents the government's overall indebtedness and is a fundamental measure of fiscal health.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Historical Context
This metric is closely monitored by policymakers, analysts, and market participants to gauge the government's fiscal policy and its potential macroeconomic impacts.
Key Facts
- The U.S. federal debt reached a record high of over $31 trillion in 2022.
- Federal debt has increased significantly since the 2008 financial crisis due to fiscal stimulus and deficit spending.
- The ratio of federal debt to GDP is a closely watched indicator of the government's fiscal sustainability.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Federal Debt: Total Public Debt metric measures the total outstanding debt of the U.S. federal government, including both marketable and non-marketable securities.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric is a fundamental indicator of the government's fiscal position and debt burden, providing insights that are crucial for economic analysis, policy decisions, and market assessments.
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, economists, and market participants closely monitor the federal debt trend to gauge the government's fiscal sustainability and the potential macroeconomic impacts of its fiscal policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Federal Debt: Total Public Debt data is typically released on a monthly basis, with a short publication delay. There are no significant known limitations in the data collection or reporting.
Related Trends
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Federal Debt: Total Public Debt (GFDEBTN), retrieved from FRED.