Share of Liabilities Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
This dataset tracks share of liabilities held by the top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th wealth percentiles) over time.
Latest Value
1.00
Year-over-Year Change
0.00%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The 'Share of Liabilities Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)' measures the concentration of total U.S. household liabilities held by the wealthiest 0.1% of Americans.
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
This economic indicator tracks wealth inequality by showing how a small fraction of the population holds a disproportionate share of total household debt. It is used by policymakers and analysts to understand the dynamics of wealth distribution and financial risk.
Methodology
The data is calculated from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
Historical Context
Monitoring this trend helps assess financial stability and guide policies that address wealth concentration.
Key Facts
- The top 0.1% held over 18% of total U.S. household liabilities in 2019.
- Household debt held by the wealthiest 0.1% has risen from 12% in 1989 to over 18% in 2019.
- Wealth inequality has increased significantly in recent decades in the U.S.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator tracks the share of total U.S. household liabilities held by the wealthiest 0.1% of the population.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Monitoring the concentration of household debt among the top wealth percentiles helps assess financial stability and wealth inequality.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is derived from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers use this indicator to understand wealth distribution dynamics and guide policies that address financial risk and inequality.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published with a delay, and the survey methodology may have limitations in fully capturing the debt held by the wealthiest individuals.
Related News

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.

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

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

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

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

U.S. Treasury Yields Increase Amid Strong Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns
Treasury Yields Surge Amid Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns Treasury yields are surging as investors closely monitor the evolving U.S. economic landscape. Recent data 10-year Treasury yield. With economic growth on one side and inflation data on the other, it's essential to unpack these complex dynamics. By analyzing these factors, we gain insights into the Federal Reserve's role in shaping monetary policy and the consequential market implications. The Federal Reserve's policies, market v
Similar WFRBSTP Trends
Share of Consumer Credit Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBSTP1283
Share of Consumer Durables Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBSTP1284
Share of Corporate And Foreign Bonds Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBSTP1285
Share of Corporate Equities And Mutual Fund Shares Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBSTP1286
Share of Debt Securities Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBSTP1287
Share of Deferred And Unpaid Life Insurance Premiums Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBSTP1288
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Liabilities Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBSTP1293), retrieved from FRED.