Share of Debt Securities Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles
This dataset tracks share of debt securities held by the 90th to 99th wealth percentiles over time.
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 News
U.S. Stock Markets Hit Record Highs Amid Nvidia, OpenAI Partnership
Nvidia's OpenAI Partnership Excites U.S. Markets The unprecedented performance of the U.S. stock markets can be largely attributed to Nvidia's exciting partnership with OpenAI. This collaboration is not only setting new records for Nvidia shares but is also invigorating other tech stocks, leading to historic highs in indices like the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq. Record-high stocks signify significant investment opportunities, underscored by revolutionary artificial intelligence innovations.
U.S. Stock Futures Stagnant Despite Positive Jobless Claims and GDP
Why US Stock Futures Remain Stagnant Despite Positive Economic Indicators The current investment landscape is puzzling for many as US stock futures struggle to show a definite trend despite favorable economic signals. These signals, such as jobless claims and Q2 GDP figures, suggest a healthy economy. Given the roles of the stock market and the Federal Reserve's decisions on rate hikes, it is surprising to witness this stagnation. Inflation trends and the Fed's signals about future policies pla
U.S. Home Sales Decline In August Due To High Prices
August 2023 U.S. Home Sales Decline Amid Rising Mortgage Rates and High Prices In August 2023, U.S. home sales experienced a notable decline, highlighting a distressing trend in the housing market. Homeownership is more costly these days. High home prices and soaring 30 year mortgage rates, combined with limited housing inventory, pose significant challenges for potential buyers and cast a shadow on economic recovery efforts. Many potential homebuyers find themselves increasingly priced out of
U.S. jobless claims decline to lowest level since mid-July
U.S. Jobless Claims Drop: A Positive Sign for Economic Growth The U.S. economy is signaling a positive turn as the initial jobless claims have dropped to their lowest level since mid-July, suggesting a more resilient labor market. This decline in jobless claims is not just a number; it reflects crucial dynamics in the U.S. economy and employment landscape. As people file fewer claims for unemployment benefits, it suggests a strengthening employment market and a recovering economy. Also, the cur
U.S. Trade Deficit Decreases As Businesses Anticipate Tariff Hikes
U.S. Trade Deficit Reaches Two-Year Low Amid Anticipated Tariff Hikes The recent announcement that the U.S. trade deficit has reached a two-year low signals significant developments for the national economy. This change may, in part, be influenced by the anticipation of tariff hikes, which are affecting trade patterns. As this event unfolds, it has implications for the U.S. GDP, underscoring the importance of reducing the trade deficit. Trade tensions have long shaped the global economic landsc
U.S. Treasury Yields Increase Amid Strong Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns
Treasury Yields Surge Amid Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns Treasury yields are surging as investors closely monitor the evolving U.S. economic landscape. Recent data 10-year Treasury yield. With economic growth on one side and inflation data on the other, it's essential to unpack these complex dynamics. By analyzing these factors, we gain insights into the Federal Reserve's role in shaping monetary policy and the consequential market implications. The Federal Reserve's policies, market v
Similar WFRBSN Trends
Share of Consumer Credit Held by the 50th to 90th Wealth Percentiles
WFRBSN40184
Share of Consumer Credit Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles
WFRBSN09157
Share of Consumer Durables Held by the 50th to 90th Wealth Percentiles
WFRBSN40165
Share of Consumer Durables Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles
WFRBSN09138
Share of Corporate and Foreign Bonds Held by the 50th to 90th Wealth Percentiles
WFRBSN40172
Share of Corporate and Foreign Bonds Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles
WFRBSN09145
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Debt Securities Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBSN09143), retrieved from FRED.