Share of Defined Contribution Pension Entitlements Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBSDCPB50 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
5.20
Year-over-Year Change
-1.89%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the share of defined contribution pension assets held by individuals in the bottom 50% of the wealth distribution. It provides insight into the concentration of retirement savings among higher-wealth 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 defined contribution pension entitlements held by the bottom 50% of the wealth distribution is an important indicator of retirement savings inequality. It reflects how evenly retirement assets are distributed across the population, which has implications for financial security and economic mobility.
Methodology
The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve using household balance sheet and wealth survey information.
Historical Context
This trend is used by policymakers, researchers, and analysts to assess the equity of the private retirement system and inform policies aimed at promoting more inclusive wealth-building.
Key Facts
- The bottom 50% of households held only 5.2% of defined contribution pension assets in 2019.
- Retirement savings are highly concentrated, with the top 10% of households holding 77% of total assets.
- The share held by the bottom 50% has declined from 7.7% in 1989 to 5.2% in 2019.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the share of defined contribution pension assets held by individuals in the bottom 50% of the wealth distribution. It reflects the concentration of retirement savings among higher-wealth households.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This trend provides insight into the equity of the private retirement system and has implications for financial security and economic mobility.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve using household balance sheet and wealth survey information.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers, researchers, and analysts use this trend to assess the distribution of retirement assets and inform policies aimed at promoting more inclusive wealth-building.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated annually by the Federal Reserve and may be subject to revisions based on new information.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Defined Contribution Pension Entitlements Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBSDCPB50), retrieved from FRED.