Share of Defined Contribution Pension Entitlements Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
This dataset tracks share of defined contribution pension entitlements held by the top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th wealth percentiles) over time.
Latest Value
1.10
Year-over-Year Change
-8.33%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the share of defined contribution pension assets held by the wealthiest 0.1% of households in the United States. It provides insight into wealth concentration and inequality among retirement savers.
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 Defined Contribution Pension Entitlements Held by the Top 0.1% is an important metric for understanding retirement wealth distribution. It tracks the percentage of total private pension assets owned by individuals in the 99.9th to 100th wealth percentiles, revealing trends in retirement savings inequality.
Methodology
The data is calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve using survey information on household wealth and pension assets.
Historical Context
This metric is used by policymakers, economists, and researchers to assess the equity of the private retirement system and inform potential policy interventions.
Key Facts
- The top 0.1% of households owned over 16% of total U.S. defined contribution pension assets in 2019.
- Retirement wealth has become increasingly concentrated among the wealthiest Americans over the past several decades.
- Defined contribution plans like 401(k)s now account for the majority of private pension assets in the U.S.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the share of total U.S. defined contribution pension assets, such as 401(k) plans, that are owned by the wealthiest 0.1% of households.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insight into wealth concentration and inequality in the private retirement system, which is useful for policymakers, economists, and researchers studying trends in retirement savings and wealth distribution.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve using survey information on household wealth and pension assets.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This metric is used by policymakers to assess the equity of the private retirement system and inform potential policy interventions related to retirement savings and wealth inequality.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published by the Federal Reserve on a regular basis, but may have a delay of several months between the reference period and the release date.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Defined Contribution Pension Entitlements Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBSDCP999T100), retrieved from FRED.