Share of US Government Securities and Municipal Securities Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)

WFRBST01117 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

38.40

Year-over-Year Change

2.40%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures the share of U.S. government and municipal securities held by the wealthiest 1% of American households. Understanding wealth concentration in financial assets is crucial for policymakers and analysts.

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 Federal Reserve tracks the distribution of U.S. government and municipal bond holdings across American wealth percentiles. This metric provides insight into the wealth and income inequality in the United States, as well as the concentration of financial power among the top 1% of households.

Methodology

The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.

Historical Context

This trend is used by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to assess the state of wealth inequality and the potential implications for economic and financial stability.

Key Facts

  • The top 1% of U.S. households held over 55% of government and municipal securities in 2019.
  • The concentration of government bond holdings among the wealthy has increased over the past two decades.
  • Wealth inequality is a key concern for policymakers and analysts studying financial stability.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the share of U.S. government and municipal securities held by the wealthiest 1% of American households.

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

A: Understanding the concentration of government bond holdings among the top 1% of households provides insight into wealth inequality and the potential implications for economic 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.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: This trend is used by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to assess the state of wealth inequality and its potential impact on the economy and financial markets.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is updated periodically by the Federal Reserve, but may have a delay in availability.

Similar WFRBST Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of US Government Securities and Municipal Securities Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBST01117), retrieved from FRED.