All Member Banks, Classification of Investments: Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions

OBSPOLSUB • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

3,090.00

Year-over-Year Change

33.36%

Date Range

10/1/1928 - 12/1/1941

Summary

The 'All Member Banks, Classification of Investments: Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions' trend measures the total value of state and local government debt held by U.S. banks. This provides insight into the banking sector's exposure to municipal and state-level financial conditions.

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 economic indicator tracks the volume of state and local government securities, such as municipal bonds, held in the investment portfolios of U.S. banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System. It offers visibility into the banking industry's demand for these public-sector debt instruments and its overall financial linkages with state and local governments.

Methodology

The Federal Reserve collects this data directly from member banks as part of its regular reporting on banks' investment activities.

Historical Context

Policymakers and analysts use this metric to assess banks' appetite for state and municipal debt, which can have implications for local government financing costs and access to credit markets.

Key Facts

  • U.S. banks held over $700 billion in state and local government debt as of 2022.
  • Bank holdings of municipal bonds have grown over 50% since the 2008 financial crisis.
  • State and local government debt accounts for approximately 10% of total bank investments.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This indicator tracks the total value of state and local government debt, such as municipal bonds, held in the investment portfolios of U.S. banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This metric provides insight into the banking sector's exposure to municipal and state-level financial conditions, which can have implications for local government financing costs and access to credit markets.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The Federal Reserve collects this data directly from member banks as part of its regular reporting on banks' investment activities.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and analysts use this indicator to assess banks' appetite for state and municipal debt, which can inform decisions about local government financing and credit market conditions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: This data is reported by the Federal Reserve on a regular basis, with typical update delays of a few months.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, All Member Banks, Classification of Investments: Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions (OBSPOLSUB), retrieved from FRED.