Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
This dataset tracks federal debt: total public debt as percent of gross domestic product over time.
Latest Value
120.87
Year-over-Year Change
0.25%
Date Range
1/1/1966 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The 'Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product' metric tracks the ratio of the U.S. government's total public debt to the country's gross domestic product. This key indicator provides insight into the 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
This series represents the percentage of the U.S. government's total public debt compared to the nation's overall economic output, as measured by GDP. It is a widely followed metric that economists and policymakers use to assess 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 based on official government debt and GDP figures.
Historical Context
Policymakers and market analysts monitor this trend to gauge the government's fiscal policy and the potential macroeconomic implications of the national debt level.
Key Facts
- The U.S. public debt-to-GDP ratio reached a peak of 106.1% in 2020 due to pandemic-related spending.
- The ratio has averaged around 80% over the past decade, well above historical norms.
- High debt levels can constrain a government's fiscal flexibility and increase vulnerability to economic shocks.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This metric tracks the ratio of the U.S. government's total public debt to the country's gross domestic product, providing insight into the government's fiscal position and debt sustainability.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The public debt-to-GDP ratio is a widely followed indicator that economists and policymakers use to assess the government's fiscal health and ability to service its debt obligations.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve based on official government debt and GDP figures.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and market analysts monitor this trend to gauge the government's fiscal policy and the potential macroeconomic implications of the national debt level.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve, with minimal delays, and represents the government's official debt and GDP figures.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product (GFDEGDQ188S), retrieved from FRED.