Total Liabilities Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
This dataset tracks total liabilities held by the top 1% (99th to 100th wealth percentiles) over time.
Latest Value
904560.00
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.
Related News
U.S. Stock Futures Stagnant Despite Positive Jobless Claims and GDP
Why US Stock Futures Remain Stagnant Despite Positive Economic Indicators The current investment landscape is puzzling for many as US stock futures struggle to show a definite trend despite favorable economic signals. These signals, such as jobless claims and Q2 GDP figures, suggest a healthy economy. Given the roles of the stock market and the Federal Reserve's decisions on rate hikes, it is surprising to witness this stagnation. Inflation trends and the Fed's signals about future policies pla
U.S. Home Sales Decline In August Due To High Prices
August 2023 U.S. Home Sales Decline Amid Rising Mortgage Rates and High Prices In August 2023, U.S. home sales experienced a notable decline, highlighting a distressing trend in the housing market. Homeownership is more costly these days. High home prices and soaring 30 year mortgage rates, combined with limited housing inventory, pose significant challenges for potential buyers and cast a shadow on economic recovery efforts. Many potential homebuyers find themselves increasingly priced out of
U.S. jobless claims decline to lowest level since mid-July
U.S. Jobless Claims Drop: A Positive Sign for Economic Growth The U.S. economy is signaling a positive turn as the initial jobless claims have dropped to their lowest level since mid-July, suggesting a more resilient labor market. This decline in jobless claims is not just a number; it reflects crucial dynamics in the U.S. economy and employment landscape. As people file fewer claims for unemployment benefits, it suggests a strengthening employment market and a recovering economy. Also, the cur
U.S. Trade Deficit Decreases As Businesses Anticipate Tariff Hikes
U.S. Trade Deficit Reaches Two-Year Low Amid Anticipated Tariff Hikes The recent announcement that the U.S. trade deficit has reached a two-year low signals significant developments for the national economy. This change may, in part, be influenced by the anticipation of tariff hikes, which are affecting trade patterns. As this event unfolds, it has implications for the U.S. GDP, underscoring the importance of reducing the trade deficit. Trade tensions have long shaped the global economic landsc
U.S. Treasury Yields Increase Amid Strong Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns
Treasury Yields Surge Amid Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns Treasury yields are surging as investors closely monitor the evolving U.S. economic landscape. Recent data 10-year Treasury yield. With economic growth on one side and inflation data on the other, it's essential to unpack these complex dynamics. By analyzing these factors, we gain insights into the Federal Reserve's role in shaping monetary policy and the consequential market implications. The Federal Reserve's policies, market v
U.S. Stock Indices Rebound After Tech Stocks' Recent Decline
US Stock Indices Rebound: Understanding the Market Recovery The recent surge in the US stock market marks a significant upturn, with key indices such as the Nasdaq and S&P 500 leading this recovery. The primary metric underpinning these shifts is the civilian employment-to-population ratio, reflecting positive economic momentum. This boost in indices can be linked to a complex interplay of factors, including recent economic data, renewed market optimism, and evolving investor behavior, casting
Similar WFRBLT Trends
Consumer Credit Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLTP1229
Consumer Credit Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLT01022
Consumer Durables Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLTP1230
Consumer Durables Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLT01003
Corporate And Foreign Bonds Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLTP1231
Corporate and Foreign Bonds Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLT01010
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Total Liabilities Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLT01019), retrieved from FRED.