Federal Debt Held by the Public as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
FYGFGDQ188S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
96.57
Year-over-Year Change
1.87%
Date Range
1/1/1970 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The Federal Debt Held by the Public as Percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the amount of U.S. government debt held by the public as a percentage of the total economic output. It is a key indicator of the government's fiscal health and sustainability.
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 trend represents the ratio of the federal government's publicly held debt to the overall size of the U.S. economy. It is used by policymakers, analysts, and investors to assess the government's ability to service its debt obligations and the potential impact on economic growth.
Methodology
The data is calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve using information on public debt levels and GDP figures.
Historical Context
Trends in this metric are closely watched by markets and influence government borrowing costs and fiscal policy decisions.
Key Facts
- The U.S. public debt-to-GDP ratio reached a peak of 106.1% in 2020.
- High debt levels can constrain a government's ability to respond to economic shocks.
- Reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio is often a goal of fiscal consolidation policies.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This metric measures the ratio of the U.S. federal government's publicly held debt to the country's total economic output, as represented by Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The federal debt-to-GDP ratio is a key indicator of the government's fiscal health and sustainability. It is closely watched by policymakers, investors, and economists to assess the government's ability to service its debt obligations and the potential impact on economic growth.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve using information on public debt levels and GDP figures.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Trends in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio influence government borrowing costs and are a key consideration in fiscal policy decisions, such as debt management and deficit reduction efforts.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated quarterly by the Federal Reserve and is subject to revisions as new information becomes available.
Related Trends
Federal Debt Held by Foreign and International Investors as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
HBFIGDQ188S
Federal Surplus or Deficit [-]
FYFSD
Federal Outlays: Interest
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Market Value of Marketable Treasury Debt
MVMTD027MNFRBDAL
Gross Federal Debt Held by the Public
FYGFDPUB
Gross Federal Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
GFDGDPA188S
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Federal Debt Held by the Public as Percent of Gross Domestic Product (FYGFGDQ188S), retrieved from FRED.