US Government Securities and Municipal Securities Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles)

WFRBLB50090 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

27,854.00

Year-over-Year Change

25.69%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures the total value of U.S. government and municipal securities held by households in the bottom 50% of the wealth distribution. It provides insights into asset ownership and inequality among lower-income Americans.

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 Reserve's 'US Government Securities and Municipal Securities Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles)' metric tracks the aggregate value of these financial assets owned by households in the lowest half of the wealth spectrum. This data point is useful for analyzing wealth inequality and the access to investment opportunities across different income groups.

Methodology

The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.

Historical Context

Policymakers and economists use this metric to assess the financial well-being and investment participation of lower-income Americans.

Key Facts

  • The bottom 50% of U.S. households own just 1.9% of all government and municipal securities.
  • Wealth inequality has risen significantly in the U.S. over the past decades.
  • Access to investment opportunities remains skewed towards higher-income Americans.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This metric tracks the total value of U.S. government and municipal securities held by households in the bottom 50% of the wealth distribution.

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

A: This data provides insights into asset ownership and wealth inequality, which are important considerations for policymakers and economists.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and economists use this metric to assess the financial well-being and investment participation of lower-income Americans.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is updated periodically as part of the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, US Government Securities and Municipal Securities Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLB50090), retrieved from FRED.