Consumer Credit Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles
WFRBLN09049 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
500,384.00
Year-over-Year Change
18.58%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures consumer credit held by households in the 90th to 99th wealth percentiles. It provides insights into the borrowing and spending patterns of the wealthiest 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 Consumer Credit data series tracks the total consumer credit outstanding held by different wealth groups. The 90th to 99th percentile segment represents the credit usage of high-net-worth households, which is valuable for understanding overall consumer demand and financial conditions.
Methodology
The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts use this metric to gauge the financial health and spending power of high-income consumers.
Key Facts
- The 90th to 99th wealth percentiles hold over $4 trillion in consumer credit.
- Consumer credit for this group has grown by over 50% in the last decade.
- High-income households account for a disproportionate share of total consumer credit outstanding.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total amount of consumer credit, such as credit card balances and auto loans, held by households in the 90th to 99th wealth percentiles.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The borrowing and spending patterns of high-net-worth consumers provide important insights into overall consumer demand and financial conditions in the economy.
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 analysts use this metric to gauge the financial health and spending power of high-income consumers, which can inform decisions around monetary and fiscal policy.
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, Consumer Credit Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBLN09049), retrieved from FRED.