Consumer Credit Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles)
This dataset tracks consumer credit held by the bottom 50% (1st to 50th wealth percentiles) over time.
Latest Value
2554995.00
Year-over-Year Change
4.00%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the total consumer credit held by individuals in the bottom 50% of the U.S. wealth distribution. It provides insights into the debt burden and financial health of lower-income households.
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 Consumer Credit Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles) series tracks the total outstanding consumer credit, including credit card balances, auto loans, and student loans, for individuals in the lower half of the wealth spectrum. This metric is useful for analyzing trends in household debt and assessing the financial vulnerabilities of lower-income Americans.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve using household survey information.
Historical Context
Policymakers and economists monitor this trend to understand the financial well-being of lower-income consumers and inform policy decisions related to consumer protection and financial inclusion.
Key Facts
- The bottom 50% of U.S. households hold over $1 trillion in consumer debt.
- Consumer credit for lower-wealth individuals has grown faster than for higher-wealth groups in recent decades.
- Credit card debt accounts for the largest share of consumer credit held by the bottom 50% of households.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total outstanding consumer credit, including credit cards, auto loans, and student loans, held by individuals in the bottom 50% of the U.S. wealth distribution.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insights into the debt burden and financial health of lower-income households, which is crucial for understanding economic inequality and informing policymaking related to consumer protection and financial inclusion.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve using household survey information.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and economists monitor this trend to understand the financial well-being of lower-income consumers and inform policy decisions related to consumer protection and financial inclusion.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published by the Federal Reserve on a regular basis, but there may be some time lags in the availability of the most recent information.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Credit Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLB50103), retrieved from FRED.