Total Defined Benefit Pension Entitlements Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles
This dataset tracks total defined benefit pension entitlements held by the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles over time.
Latest Value
876106.00
Year-over-Year Change
0.75%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the total defined benefit pension entitlements held by individuals in the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles in the United States. It provides insight into retirement wealth distribution among the highest-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
Defined benefit pensions provide a guaranteed monthly income in retirement based on factors like salary and years of service. This metric tracks the aggregate pension wealth held by the wealthiest 1% of Americans, offering a window into retirement security and inequality at the top of the wealth distribution.
Methodology
The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
Historical Context
Policymakers and economists use this metric to assess retirement readiness and wealth concentration among high-income households.
Key Facts
- The 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles held over $2.3 trillion in defined benefit pension entitlements as of 2019.
- Pension wealth is highly concentrated, with the top 1% holding nearly 40% of total U.S. defined benefit plan assets.
- Retirement income from pensions has declined over time, with a shift towards defined contribution plans like 401(k)s.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This metric tracks the total defined benefit pension entitlements held by individuals in the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This data provides insight into retirement wealth distribution and inequality at the top of the income spectrum, which is crucial for understanding overall retirement security in the U.S.
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 retirement readiness and wealth concentration among high-income households, which informs discussions around retirement policy and inequality.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Survey of Consumer Finances is conducted every three years, so there may be delays in the availability of the most recent data.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Total Defined Benefit Pension Entitlements Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBLDBP99T999), retrieved from FRED.