Debt Securities Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
This dataset tracks debt securities held by the top 1% (99th to 100th wealth percentiles) over time.
Latest Value
2146352.00
Year-over-Year Change
135.70%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the total value of debt securities held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households. It provides insights into wealth distribution and the investment behaviors of the highest-income 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 Debt Securities Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) series tracks the total market value of debt instruments, such as bonds and other fixed-income assets, owned by the wealthiest 1% of American households. This metric offers economists and policymakers a window into the investment patterns and relative economic power of the country's highest-net-worth individuals.
Methodology
The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, a comprehensive household finance survey conducted every three years.
Historical Context
This trend can inform discussions around wealth inequality, financial regulation, and the potential macroeconomic impacts of the debt holdings of the nation's wealthiest individuals.
Key Facts
- The top 1% of U.S. households held over $10 trillion in debt securities in 2019.
- Debt securities account for over 40% of the total assets owned by the wealthiest 1% of Americans.
- The concentration of debt holdings among the top 1% has increased significantly in recent decades.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total market value of debt securities, such as bonds and fixed-income assets, held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric offers insights into the investment patterns and relative economic power of the nation's highest-net-worth individuals, which can inform discussions around wealth inequality, financial regulation, and potential macroeconomic impacts.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, a comprehensive household finance survey conducted every three years.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This trend can inform discussions around wealth inequality, financial regulation, and the potential macroeconomic impacts of the debt holdings of the nation's wealthiest individuals.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated every three years through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, so there may be a delay in the most recent information.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Debt Securities Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLT01008), retrieved from FRED.