Share of Loans (Liabilities) Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles
This dataset tracks share of loans (liabilities) held by the 90th to 99th wealth percentiles over time.
Latest Value
19.90
Year-over-Year Change
5.29%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This trend measures the share of total loans and liabilities held by households in the 90th to 99th wealth percentiles in the United States. It provides insights into wealth concentration and the financial position of high-net-worth individuals.
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 loans and liabilities held by the 90th to 99th wealth percentiles is an important indicator of wealth inequality and the distribution of financial obligations within the U.S. household sector. Economists and policymakers analyze this data to understand trends in household balance sheets and the concentration of financial risk.
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 used to inform policy decisions related to financial stability, consumer protection, and wealth distribution.
Key Facts
- The 90th to 99th wealth percentiles held over 50% of total U.S. household loans and liabilities in 2019.
- Wealth concentration has increased, with the top 10% of households holding a larger share of total loans and liabilities over time.
- High-net-worth individuals tend to have more diversified balance sheets and access to a wider range of financial products.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the share of total loans and liabilities held by households in the 90th to 99th wealth percentiles in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This trend provides insights into wealth concentration and the financial position of high-net-worth individuals, which is important for understanding household balance sheets and financial stability.
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 used to inform policy decisions related to financial stability, consumer protection, and wealth distribution.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is only updated every three years through the Survey of Consumer Finances, which may result in a delay in the availability of the most recent information.
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. mortgage rates decline aligns with housing price cuts
U.S. Real Estate: Mortgage Rates Plummet Mortgage rates in the U.S. have experienced a notable drop, marking some of the most significant cuts in recent years. This shift comes at a time when the housing market is adjusting with substantial price reductions, offering potential homebuyers opportunities. The interconnectedness of mortgage rates with the broader economic trends cannot be understated. Lower interest rates often mean cheaper loans, potentially sparking more activity in the real esta

US mortgage rates unlikely to drop despite Fed rate cuts
Navigating Mortgage Rates in the Era of Fed Rate Cuts Mortgage rates today are a central concern for those hunting for home loans or tinkering with refinance options. Interestingly, despite recent Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, mortgage rates aren't budging much. This outcome puzzles many, considering the expected ripple effect these cuts tend to have on borrowing costs. The staunch resistance of mortgage rates to these cuts underscores an evolving challenge for financial planning among US

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
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 Loans (Liabilities) Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBSN09155), retrieved from FRED.