Financial Assets Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
This dataset tracks financial assets held by the top 1% (99th to 100th wealth percentiles) over time.
Latest Value
42789990.00
Year-over-Year Change
11.64%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This trend measures the share of total financial assets held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households. It provides insight into wealth inequality and concentration at the top of the wealth distribution.
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 Financial Assets Held by the Top 1% metric tracks the percentage of total U.S. household financial wealth owned by the 99th to 100th wealth percentiles. This high-level indicator is used by economists and policymakers to analyze trends in wealth concentration and inequality.
Methodology
The data is calculated from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
Historical Context
This metric is relevant for understanding the distribution of economic power and resources in the U.S.
Key Facts
- The top 1% owned 31.1% of total U.S. household financial wealth in 2019.
- Wealth concentration at the top has increased over the past several decades.
- The bottom 50% of households owned just 1.9% of total financial assets in 2019.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This metric tracks the share of total U.S. household financial wealth owned by the wealthiest 1% of households.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This high-level indicator provides insight into wealth inequality and the concentration of economic power at the top of the wealth distribution.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is calculated from 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 analyze trends in wealth concentration and inequality, which has implications for economic opportunity and social mobility.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Survey of Consumer Finances is conducted every three years, so there can be a delay in the most recent data.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Financial Assets Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLT01004), retrieved from FRED.