Share of Debt Securities Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles
WFRBSN09143 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
40.60
Year-over-Year Change
-0.49%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The Share of Debt Securities Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles tracks the proportion of all debt securities owned by U.S. households in the top 10% of the wealth distribution. This metric is a key indicator of wealth inequality and capital ownership patterns.
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 measures the share of total debt securities, such as bonds and other fixed-income assets, that are held by the wealthiest 10% of U.S. households. It provides insights into the concentration of capital ownership and the distribution of financial assets across the wealth spectrum.
Methodology
The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, a comprehensive household finance survey conducted every three years.
Historical Context
This trend is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and analysts to assess the dynamics of wealth inequality and the potential implications for financial stability and economic policy.
Key Facts
- The top 10% of U.S. households owned over 90% of all debt securities in 2019.
- Debt security ownership has become increasingly concentrated among the wealthiest households over the past two decades.
- The share of debt securities held by the 90th to 99th wealth percentiles has risen from around 80% in the early 2000s to over 90% in recent years.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the share of total debt securities, such as bonds and other fixed-income assets, that are owned by the wealthiest 10% of U.S. households.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This trend provides insights into the concentration of capital ownership and the distribution of financial assets across the wealth spectrum, which is a key indicator of wealth inequality in the United States.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, a comprehensive household finance survey conducted every three years.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This trend is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and analysts to assess the dynamics of wealth inequality and the potential implications for financial stability and 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 observations.
Related Trends
Miscellaneous Assets Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLTP1243
U.S. Government And Municipal Securities Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLTP1253
Share of Mortgages Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBST01121
Share of Loans (Assets) Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBST01119
Real Mean Family Income in the United States
MAFAINUSA672N
12-Month Moving Average of Weighted Median Hourly Wage Growth: Weighted 1997: Overall
FRBATLWGT12MMAWMHWG97O
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Debt Securities Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBSN09143), retrieved from FRED.