Share of Defined Benefit Pension Entitlements Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)

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

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.

Related News

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. 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
U.S. S&P 500 Stock Movements: Paramount and Apple Surge

U.S. S&P 500 Stock Movements: Paramount and Apple Surge

Apple and Paramount Stocks Bolster the S&P 500: Analyzing Market Movements The S&P 500 recently experienced a boost thanks to significant stock movements from Apple and Paramount. As a key indicator of the U.S. stock market, the S&P 500's rise reflects broader economic dynamics. Notably, Apple's stock benefited from the recent iPhone 17 launch, while Paramount's corporate strategies have also captured investor attention. These developments underscore the interconnected nature of market trends,

September 20, 20253 min read
Yield curve steepening benefits US value and small-cap stocks

Yield curve steepening benefits US value and small-cap stocks

The Steepening Yield Curve in Today's Economy The recent rise in the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond yield sparks renewed interest in its impact on the financial markets. A steepening yield curve, where the gap between short-term and long-term interest rates widens, is grabbing investors' attention. While it usually suggests a positive outlook for economic growth, the implications for different segments of the stock market, such as value and small-cap stocks, can be significant. This shift in the yi

September 18, 20253 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

Related Trends

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.
Economic Data: Share of Defined Benefit Pension Entitleme...