Share of Life Insurance Reserves Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles

WFRBS99T999267 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

18.00

Year-over-Year Change

-1.10%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures the share of life insurance reserves held by individuals in the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles in the United States. It provides insight into wealth concentration and the role of the financial sector in household 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 life insurance reserves held by the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles is an indicator of wealth inequality and the concentration of financial assets among the top income earners. It reflects the role of the insurance industry in facilitating wealth storage and transfer for the highest-wealth households.

Methodology

The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve based on survey and administrative sources.

Historical Context

This trend is used by economists and policymakers to analyze trends in wealth inequality and the role of the financial sector in household wealth distribution.

Key Facts

  • The 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles held over 40% of total life insurance reserves in 2019.
  • Life insurance reserves represent a significant component of household wealth for high-net-worth individuals.
  • The concentration of life insurance reserves has increased over the past two decades.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the share of life insurance reserves 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 trend provides insight into wealth concentration and the role of the financial sector in household wealth distribution, which is of interest to economists and policymakers studying inequality.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve based on survey and administrative sources.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: This trend is used by economists and policymakers to analyze trends in wealth inequality and the role of the financial sector in household wealth distribution.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is updated periodically by the Federal Reserve, and there may be lags in reporting or limitations in the underlying sources.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Life Insurance Reserves Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBS99T999267), retrieved from FRED.