Share of Consumer Credit Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles

WFRBS99T999256 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

2.20

Year-over-Year Change

10.00%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This trend tracks the share of total U.S. consumer credit held by individuals in the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles. It provides insight into wealth concentration and the distribution of consumer debt among high-net-worth households.

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 share of consumer credit held by the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles is an important metric for understanding wealth inequality and the role of high-income consumers in driving credit markets. It offers context on how consumer debt is distributed across the wealth spectrum.

Methodology

The data is calculated from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.

Historical Context

This trend is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and financial analysts to assess financial stability and consumer credit dynamics.

Key Facts

  • The 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles hold over a quarter of total U.S. consumer credit.
  • Consumer credit held by high-net-worth individuals has risen steadily over the past two decades.
  • Tracking this trend provides insights into the role of the wealthy in consumer debt markets.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the share of total U.S. consumer credit, such as credit card balances and auto loans, that is held by households in the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles.

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

A: This metric offers important insights into wealth concentration and the role of high-net-worth individuals in consumer credit markets, which is relevant for policymakers, economists, and financial analysts.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve using information from its Survey of Consumer Finances.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and analysts monitor this trend to assess financial stability, wealth inequality, and the dynamics of consumer credit markets.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Survey of Consumer Finances is conducted every three years, so there may be delays in the availability of the most recent data.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Consumer Credit Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBS99T999256), retrieved from FRED.