Share of Financial Assets Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles
This dataset tracks share of financial assets held by the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles over time.
Latest Value
18.60
Year-over-Year Change
1.09%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the share of total household financial assets held by individuals in the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles in the United States. It provides insights into wealth concentration and inequality at the top of the wealth 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 share of financial assets held by the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles is a key indicator of wealth inequality in the U.S. It tracks how the wealthiest households are accumulating a disproportionate share of the country's total financial wealth over time.
Methodology
The data is calculated based on the Survey of Consumer Finances, a triennial survey conducted by the Federal Reserve.
Historical Context
This metric is widely used by economists, policymakers, and analysts to assess trends in top-end wealth concentration and its implications for economic policy.
Key Facts
- The share held by the 99th to 99.9th percentiles rose from 21.9% in 1989 to 28.5% in 2019.
- This group held over $25 trillion in financial assets as of 2019.
- Wealth inequality has increased significantly in the U.S. over the past several decades.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the share of total household financial assets held by individuals in the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insights into wealth concentration and inequality at the top of the wealth distribution, which is a key concern for economists and policymakers.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is calculated based on the Survey of Consumer Finances, a triennial survey conducted by the Federal Reserve.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This metric is widely used by economists, policymakers, and analysts to assess trends in top-end wealth concentration and its implications for economic policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated every three years with the release of the Survey of Consumer Finances, so there may be a delay in the most recent information.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Financial Assets Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBS99T999264), retrieved from FRED.