Consumer Credit Held by the 50th to 90th Wealth Percentiles
This dataset tracks consumer credit held by the 50th to 90th wealth percentiles over time.
Latest Value
1720485.00
Year-over-Year Change
9.90%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This trend measures the amount of consumer credit held by U.S. households in the 50th to 90th wealth percentiles. It provides insights into the credit usage and financial health of the middle-class and affluent segments of the population.
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 50th to 90th Wealth Percentiles is a measure of the total amount of outstanding consumer loans and credit card balances for households in the middle-to-upper wealth distribution. This data is used by economists to analyze trends in household debt and financial risk across different income groups.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the Federal Reserve Board based on survey responses from U.S. households.
Historical Context
This economic indicator is closely watched by policymakers, lenders, and analysts to understand consumer credit dynamics and their potential impact on the broader economy.
Key Facts
- The 50th to 90th wealth percentiles account for over 60% of total U.S. household wealth.
- Consumer credit in this group reached a record high of $4.3 trillion in 2022.
- Credit card balances make up over half of the total consumer credit held by this segment.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total amount of consumer credit, including loans and credit card balances, held by U.S. households in the 50th to 90th wealth percentiles.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This indicator provides insights into the credit usage and financial health of the middle-class and affluent segments of the population, which are important for understanding broader consumer trends and potential economic risks.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated by the Federal Reserve Board based on survey responses from U.S. households.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This indicator is closely watched by policymakers, lenders, and analysts to understand consumer credit dynamics and their potential impact on the broader economy, informing decisions on monetary policy, consumer protection, and financial regulations.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published quarterly with a lag of approximately 3 months, and may be subject to revisions based on updated household survey responses.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Credit Held by the 50th to 90th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBLN40076), retrieved from FRED.