Share of Financial Assets Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)

WFRBST01112 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

34.60

Year-over-Year Change

1.47%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

Tracks the financial asset concentration among the top 1% of wealth holders. Offers critical insights into economic inequality and wealth distribution.

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

Measures the percentage of financial assets owned by households in the 99th to 100th wealth percentiles. Highlights extreme wealth concentration.

Methodology

Calculated using Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances comprehensive wealth data.

Historical Context

Used by researchers and policymakers to analyze wealth inequality.

Key Facts

  • Represents top 1% financial asset ownership
  • Indicates extreme wealth concentration
  • Critical for understanding economic disparities

FAQs

Q: What does this top 1% financial asset data show?

A: Measures the proportion of financial assets held by the wealthiest 1% of households. Reveals extreme wealth concentration.

Q: How frequently is this data collected?

A: Updated approximately every three years through the Federal Reserve's comprehensive wealth survey.

Q: Why is tracking top 1% asset ownership important?

A: Provides crucial insights into economic inequality and wealth distribution patterns.

Q: How does this metric impact economic policy?

A: Informs discussions about taxation, wealth redistribution, and economic opportunity.

Q: What are the limitations of this data?

A: Represents a snapshot in time and may not capture rapid wealth changes or emerging economic trends.

Similar WFRBST Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Financial Assets Held by the Top 1% (WFRBST01112), retrieved from FRED.