Share of Defined Benefit Pension Entitlements Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBSTOP1DBP • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
6.60
Year-over-Year Change
4.76%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the share of defined benefit pension entitlements held by the top 1% of U.S. households by wealth. It provides insights into wealth inequality and retirement security.
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 defined benefit pension entitlements held by the top 1% of households is an important indicator of wealth concentration and the distribution of retirement resources. It helps analyze trends in retirement wealth inequality and the extent to which high-wealth individuals benefit from employer-sponsored pensions.
Methodology
The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve using survey information on household wealth and pension assets.
Historical Context
This trend is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and researchers studying income and wealth inequality in the United States.
Key Facts
- The top 1% held over 25% of defined benefit pension entitlements in 2019.
- Pension wealth inequality has risen alongside income and wealth inequality in recent decades.
- Defined benefit pensions are an important source of retirement income for many Americans.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the share of defined benefit pension entitlements held by the top 1% of U.S. households by wealth. It provides insights into the distribution of retirement resources.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This trend is important for understanding wealth inequality and the concentration of retirement resources among high-wealth individuals. It informs policy discussions around retirement security and the equitable distribution of pension benefits.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve using survey information on household wealth and pension assets.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This trend is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and researchers studying income and wealth inequality in the United States. It informs discussions around the distribution of retirement resources and the design of pension systems.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released annually with a lag, so there may be a delay in accessing the most recent information. Additionally, the survey data used to calculate this trend may have some limitations in terms of sample size and self-reporting.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Defined Benefit Pension Entitlements Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBSTOP1DBP), retrieved from FRED.