Share of Life Insurance Reserves Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBSTP1294 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
10.70
Year-over-Year Change
1.90%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This trend measures the proportion of total U.S. life insurance reserves held by the wealthiest 0.1% of households. It provides insight into wealth concentration and access to financial services among the top wealth tier.
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 life insurance reserves held by the top 0.1% of U.S. households by wealth is an indicator of financial asset ownership and utilization among the most affluent individuals. It offers perspectives on wealth inequality and the distribution of insurance industry resources.
Methodology
The data is calculated from the Federal Reserve's Distributional Financial Accounts, which draw on survey and administrative sources to estimate wealth metrics.
Historical Context
This trend is relevant for policymakers, economists, and financial analysts assessing trends in wealth concentration and the accessibility of insurance products.
Key Facts
- The top 0.1% of U.S. households held over 50% of total life insurance reserves in 2019.
- Life insurance reserve ownership is highly skewed toward the wealthiest Americans.
- Insurance industry resources are disproportionately concentrated among the top 0.1% of households by wealth.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the proportion of total U.S. life insurance reserves held by the wealthiest 0.1% of households, providing insights into wealth concentration and access to financial services.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This trend is relevant for assessing wealth inequality, the distribution of insurance industry resources, and the accessibility of financial products and services among different wealth tiers.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is calculated from the Federal Reserve's Distributional Financial Accounts, which use survey and administrative sources to estimate wealth metrics.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This trend is used by policymakers, economists, and financial analysts to understand trends in wealth concentration and the accessibility of insurance products and services.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve, but there may be lags in availability due to the comprehensive nature of the Distributional Financial Accounts.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Life Insurance Reserves Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBSTP1294), retrieved from FRED.