Miscellaneous Assets Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLB50099 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
366,291.00
Year-over-Year Change
21.99%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend tracks the value of miscellaneous assets held by the bottom 50% of U.S. households by wealth. It provides insights into the financial health and inequality within the lower wealth distribution.
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 Miscellaneous Assets Held by the Bottom 50% metric represents the aggregate value of various financial and nonfinancial assets, excluding real estate and business equity, owned by the 1st to 50th wealth percentiles in the United States. This data point is useful for analyzing trends in household wealth concentration and financial inclusion.
Methodology
The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, a comprehensive household finance survey conducted every three years.
Historical Context
Policymakers and economists use this metric to assess the financial stability and economic well-being of lower-income households.
Key Facts
- The bottom 50% of U.S. households by wealth held $1.3 trillion in miscellaneous assets in 2019.
- Miscellaneous assets account for about 20% of total assets held by the bottom 50% of U.S. households.
- The value of miscellaneous assets held by the bottom 50% has increased by 34% since 2010.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total value of miscellaneous assets, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, and other financial instruments, held by the bottom 50% of U.S. households by wealth.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insights into the financial health and wealth inequality within the lower-income population, which is crucial for understanding economic inclusion and the distribution of household assets.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, a comprehensive household finance survey conducted every three years.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and economists use this metric to assess the financial stability and economic well-being of lower-income households, which informs policies aimed at promoting financial inclusion and reducing wealth inequality.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated every three years with the release of the Survey of Consumer Finances, so there may be a delay in the most recent information being available.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Miscellaneous Assets Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLB50099), retrieved from FRED.