Federal Debt Held by Federal Reserve Banks as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
HBFRGDQ188S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
15.21
Year-over-Year Change
-38.70%
Date Range
1/1/1970 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the total federal debt held by Federal Reserve Banks as a percentage of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is a key indicator of the Federal Reserve's role in financing the national debt.
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 Federal Reserve Banks as Percent of GDP tracks the proportion of outstanding U.S. government debt that is owned by the Federal Reserve system. This metric provides insight into the central bank's monetary policy and its impact on federal financing.
Methodology
The data is calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve based on its holdings of U.S. Treasury securities.
Historical Context
This trend is closely monitored by policymakers, investors, and economists to assess the Federal Reserve's influence on government debt markets.
Key Facts
- Federal Reserve owns over $5 trillion in U.S. government debt.
- Debt held by Fed reached a record high of 32% of GDP in 2020.
- The Fed's debt holdings influence interest rates and inflation.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total federal debt held by the Federal Reserve Banks as a percentage of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It reflects the central bank's role in financing the national debt.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insight into the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and its impact on government debt markets, which is crucial for policymakers, investors, and economists.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve based on its holdings of U.S. Treasury securities.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers, investors, and economists closely monitor this trend to assess the Federal Reserve's influence on government debt markets and the broader economy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published regularly by the Federal Reserve and is generally considered timely and reliable.
Related Trends
Market Value of Privately Held Gross Federal Debt
MVPHGFD027MNFRBDAL
Federal Debt Held by Foreign and International Investors as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
HBFIGDQ188S
Federal Debt Held by Agencies and Trusts
FDHBATN
Federal Debt Held by Foreign and International Investors
FDHBFIN
Federal Receipts
FYFR
Market Value of Marketable Treasury Debt
MVMTD027MNFRBDAL
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Federal Debt Held by Federal Reserve Banks as Percent of Gross Domestic Product (HBFRGDQ188S), retrieved from FRED.