Total Liabilities Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLT01019 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
904,560.00
Year-over-Year Change
-4.78%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the total liabilities held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households. It provides insights into wealth concentration and financial risk exposure at the top of the income 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 Total Liabilities Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) tracks the aggregate debt and other financial obligations of the richest American households. This metric is useful for analyzing trends in wealth inequality and understanding the potential systemic risks posed by highly leveraged high-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
Policymakers and financial analysts use this trend to monitor the financial health and risk profile of the wealthiest segment of the U.S. population.
Key Facts
- The top 1% of U.S. households hold over $25 trillion in total liabilities.
- Liabilities of the wealthiest 1% have grown by over 50% in the past two decades.
- High debt levels among the rich can amplify the impact of economic shocks.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total liabilities, such as debt and other financial obligations, held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insights into wealth concentration and the potential systemic risks posed by highly leveraged high-net-worth individuals, which is valuable for policymakers and financial analysts.
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: Policymakers and financial analysts use this trend to monitor the financial health and risk profile of the wealthiest segment of the U.S. population, which can inform policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is only available every three years due to the frequency of the Survey of Consumer Finances, which may limit its timeliness for some applications.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Total Liabilities Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLT01019), retrieved from FRED.