Share of Financial Assets Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles
This dataset tracks share of financial assets held by the 90th to 99th wealth percentiles over time.
Latest Value
37.10
Year-over-Year Change
-0.54%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The Share of Financial Assets Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles measures the concentration of wealth among the upper-middle and upper classes in the United States. This metric is critical for economists and policymakers to understand trends in wealth inequality.
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
This series tracks the percentage of total U.S. household financial assets held by individuals in the 90th to 99th wealth percentiles. It provides insight into how wealth is distributed across the upper tiers of the income spectrum, a key indicator of economic inequality.
Methodology
The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve using survey data on household assets and liabilities.
Historical Context
This metric is closely watched by policymakers, academics, and market analysts to assess the state of wealth distribution and potential implications for economic policy.
Key Facts
- The top 10% of wealth holders own nearly 77% of total U.S. household financial assets.
- Wealth inequality has risen substantially in the U.S. over the past four decades.
- The share of assets held by the 90th-99th percentiles has increased from 60% in 1989 to over 76% in 2019.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This metric tracks the percentage of total U.S. household financial assets held by individuals in the 90th to 99th wealth percentiles, providing insight into wealth concentration at the upper end of the income spectrum.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This data is critical for understanding trends in wealth inequality, which has major implications for economic policy, social mobility, and the distribution of economic power.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The Federal Reserve calculates this metric using survey data on household assets and liabilities.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers, academics, and market analysts closely monitor this metric to assess the state of wealth distribution and potential implications for economic and social policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published by the Federal Reserve on a quarterly basis, with a lag of several months.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Financial Assets Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBSN09139), retrieved from FRED.