Federal Debt Held by Agencies and Trusts as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
HBATGDQ188S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
24.30
Year-over-Year Change
-5.69%
Date Range
1/1/1981 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the federal debt held by government agencies and trust funds as a percentage of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is an important indicator of the government's fiscal position and solvency.
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 Held by Agencies and Trusts as Percent of GDP tracks the proportion of the total federal debt that is owed to other government entities rather than the public. This metric provides insight into the government's overall debt burden and financing structure.
Methodology
The data is calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve using information from the U.S. Treasury Department.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts use this trend to assess the government's fiscal health and sustainability.
Key Facts
- The debt held by government agencies and trusts was 16.7% of GDP in 2022.
- This metric reached a high of 23.2% of GDP in 2011 during the financial crisis.
- Declining agency and trust fund debt can indicate a shift toward more public debt financing.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the federal debt held by government agencies and trust funds as a percentage of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insight into the government's overall debt burden and financing structure, which is important for assessing fiscal health and sustainability.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve using information from the U.S. Treasury Department.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts use this trend to assess the government's fiscal health and sustainability, which informs decisions on taxation, spending, and debt management.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released quarterly with a short delay, and may be subject to revisions by the Federal Reserve.
Related Trends
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Federal Debt Held by Agencies and Trusts as Percent of Gross Domestic Product (HBATGDQ188S), retrieved from FRED.