Share of Nonfinancial Assets Held by the 50th to 90th Wealth Percentiles

WFRBSN40163 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

45.30

Year-over-Year Change

2.03%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

The 'Share of Nonfinancial Assets Held by the 50th to 90th Wealth Percentiles' measures the concentration of nonfinancial assets among U.S. households in the middle-to-upper wealth distribution. This metric provides insights into wealth inequality and the financial resilience of the middle class.

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 represents the percentage of total U.S. nonfinancial assets held by households between the 50th and 90th percentiles of the wealth distribution. It offers a view into the asset ownership patterns of the middle-class and upper-middle-class segments of the population, which is relevant for assessing economic stability and the potential for upward mobility.

Methodology

The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve based on the Survey of Consumer Finances.

Historical Context

Policymakers and economists analyze this metric to understand wealth dynamics and the financial health of the middle class.

Key Facts

  • The 50th-90th wealth percentiles held 66.4% of U.S. nonfinancial assets in 2019.
  • Nonfinancial assets include real estate, business equity, and other tangible holdings.
  • Wealth concentration among the middle class has declined since the 1980s.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This metric measures the share of total U.S. nonfinancial assets held by households in the 50th to 90th percentiles of the wealth distribution.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This trend provides insights into the financial resilience and asset ownership patterns of the middle class, which is important for understanding wealth inequality and economic stability.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The Federal Reserve calculates this metric based on data from the Survey of Consumer Finances.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and economists analyze this metric to assess the financial health of the middle class and inform policies related to wealth distribution and economic mobility.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is updated triennially with the release of the Survey of Consumer Finances, so there may be a delay in the most recent information.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Nonfinancial Assets Held by the 50th to 90th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBSN40163), retrieved from FRED.