Total Deposits Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLDEB50 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
770,267.00
Year-over-Year Change
-6.09%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the total deposits held by the bottom 50% of U.S. households ranked by wealth. It provides insights into the savings and financial security of 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 'Total Deposits Held by the Bottom 50%' metric represents the combined balances in bank accounts, savings accounts, and other deposit instruments for the 1st to 50th wealth percentiles. This data offers a window into the financial resilience and asset ownership of households in the lower half of the U.S. wealth distribution.
Methodology
The Federal Reserve collects this data through household surveys and aggregates the deposit holdings for the specified wealth percentile range.
Historical Context
This trend is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and financial analysts to assess wealth inequality and the financial health of lower-income Americans.
Key Facts
- Deposits held by the bottom 50% of U.S. households account for only 2.1% of total U.S. household deposits.
- The average deposit balance for the bottom 50% is $5,400, compared to $172,000 for the top 10% of households.
- Deposit holdings for the bottom 50% have remained relatively flat over the past decade, indicating limited growth in financial assets.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total deposits held by the bottom 50% of U.S. households ranked by wealth, providing insights into the savings and financial security of lower-income Americans.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and financial analysts to assess wealth inequality and the financial health of lower-income households in the United States.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The Federal Reserve collects this data through household surveys and aggregates the deposit holdings for the specified wealth percentile range.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts use this data to evaluate the effectiveness of policies and programs aimed at promoting financial inclusion and reducing wealth disparities.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated quarterly by the Federal Reserve, but there may be a lag of several months before the latest figures are released.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Total Deposits Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLDEB50), retrieved from FRED.