Total Defined Contribution Pension Entitlements Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)

WFRBLTOP1DCP • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

1,378,489.00

Year-over-Year Change

13.77%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This trend measures the total defined contribution pension entitlements held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households. It provides insights into wealth inequality and the concentration of retirement savings among the top income earners.

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 Defined Contribution Pension Entitlements Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) tracks the value of defined contribution pension plans, such as 401(k)s, held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households. This data is used by economists and policymakers to analyze trends in wealth distribution and the retirement savings patterns of high-income individuals.

Methodology

The data is collected by the Federal Reserve through household surveys and other sources.

Historical Context

This trend is relevant for understanding the role of retirement savings in wealth inequality and informing policy discussions on retirement security and tax incentives.

Key Facts

  • The top 1% of U.S. households hold over $4.6 trillion in defined contribution pension entitlements.
  • Defined contribution plans account for over 60% of the total retirement assets held by the top 1% of households.
  • The concentration of retirement savings among the wealthiest Americans has increased significantly in recent decades.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the total value of defined contribution pension entitlements, such as 401(k) plans, held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This trend provides insights into wealth inequality and the concentration of retirement savings among high-income earners, which is important for policymakers and economists analyzing retirement security and wealth distribution.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The Federal Reserve collects this data through household surveys and other sources.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: This trend is used by economists and policymakers to understand the role of retirement savings in wealth inequality and to inform discussions on tax incentives and policies related to retirement security.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is updated periodically by the Federal Reserve, but there may be delays in availability due to the complexities of household survey data collection.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Total Defined Contribution Pension Entitlements Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLTOP1DCP), retrieved from FRED.