Loans (Assets) Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLT01011 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
541,428.00
Year-over-Year Change
-15.12%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This trend measures the value of loans held as assets by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households. It provides insights into wealth concentration and inequality among the top tier 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 Federal Reserve's 'Loans (Assets) Held by the Top 1%' series tracks the total value of loans owned as assets by households in the 99th to 100th wealth percentiles. This metric is used by economists to analyze trends in wealth distribution and financial market participation among the highest-income individuals.
Methodology
The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
Historical Context
This indicator helps inform policy discussions around wealth inequality and financial regulations.
Key Facts
- The top 1% held over $4 trillion in loans as assets in 2019.
- Loan assets held by the top 1% have grown by over 70% since 2010.
- Loans make up nearly 25% of total assets for the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total value of loans held as assets by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households, providing insights into wealth concentration at the top of the income distribution.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This indicator is relevant for understanding wealth inequality, the financial market participation of high-net-worth individuals, and the role of debt in the asset portfolios of the wealthiest Americans.
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: This trend informs policy discussions around wealth inequality, financial regulations, and the concentration of economic power among the highest-income households.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Survey of Consumer Finances is conducted every three years, so there may be a multi-year delay in the availability of the most recent data.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Loans (Assets) Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLT01011), retrieved from FRED.