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

This dataset tracks share of mortgages held by the top 1% (99th to 100th wealth percentiles) over time.

Latest Value

47.00

Year-over-Year Change

6.33%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures the share of mortgage debt held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households. It provides insights into wealth inequality and the distribution of mortgage financing.

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 Mortgages Held by the Top 1% tracks the percentage of total mortgage debt owed by households in the 99th to 100th wealth percentiles. This metric offers valuable context on the concentration of mortgage financing and its relationship to wealth inequality.

Methodology

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

Historical Context

This trend is relevant for policymakers and economists analyzing the dynamics of housing finance and wealth distribution.

Key Facts

  • The top 1% of U.S. households held over 25% of total mortgage debt as of 2019.
  • Mortgage debt held by the top 1% has increased from under 20% in the 1990s.
  • The concentration of mortgage financing among the wealthiest Americans has risen alongside growing wealth inequality.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the share of total mortgage debt held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households, providing insights into the distribution of housing finance.

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

A: This metric is important for understanding wealth inequality and the dynamics of mortgage financing in the U.S. economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is calculated based on the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: This trend is relevant for policymakers and economists analyzing housing finance and wealth distribution trends.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is updated periodically based on the Federal Reserve's survey schedule.

Related News

U.S. Stock Markets Hit Record Highs Amid Nvidia, OpenAI Partnership

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.

September 23, 20253 min read
Unpredictability of Interest Rate Direction in the United States

Unpredictability of Interest Rate Direction in the United States

Navigating the Unpredictability of Interest Rates Interest rates have turned into one of the most unpredictable elements in the American financial landscape. This unpredictability stems largely from the nuanced decisions of the Federal Reserve, often referred to as the Fed, whose policies ripple through financial markets, influencing borrowing costs for everyone from ambitious entrepreneurs to families securing mortgages. The web of economic indicators, which serves as the backbone for interest

September 20, 20254 min read
U.S. Stock Futures Stagnant Despite Positive Jobless Claims and GDP

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

September 26, 20253 min read
U.S. Home Sales Decline In August Due To High Prices

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

September 26, 20253 min read
U.S. jobless claims decline to lowest level since mid-July

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

September 26, 20253 min read
U.S. Trade Deficit Decreases As Businesses Anticipate Tariff Hikes

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

September 26, 20252 min read

Similar WFRBST Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Mortgages Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBST01121), retrieved from FRED.