Federal Debt Held by Private Investors as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
HBPIGDQ188S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
82.41
Year-over-Year Change
14.68%
Date Range
1/1/1970 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the ratio of federal debt held by private investors to the U.S. gross domestic product. It provides insight into the government's debt burden and fiscal 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
The Federal Debt Held by Private Investors as Percent of GDP is a key indicator of the federal government's fiscal position. It reflects the extent to which private investors, as opposed to public entities, hold outstanding U.S. Treasury securities.
Methodology
The data is calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve using public debt and GDP figures.
Historical Context
This metric is closely watched by policymakers, financial markets, and economists to assess the government's financing needs and ability to service its debt.
Key Facts
- Reached a high of 70.2% in 2012 during the Great Recession.
- Declined to 57.0% by 2019 before rising again during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Considered a key metric for evaluating the government's fiscal position.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the ratio of federal debt held by private investors to the U.S. gross domestic product, providing insight into the government's debt burden and fiscal sustainability.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric is closely watched by policymakers, financial markets, and economists to assess the government's financing needs and ability to service its debt.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve using public debt and GDP figures.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This metric is used by policymakers, markets, and economists to evaluate the government's fiscal position and sustainability of its debt burden.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve, with minimal delays, and provides a comprehensive view of the government's debt-to-GDP ratio.
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Federal Debt Held by Private Investors
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Federal Debt Held by Private Investors as Percent of Gross Domestic Product (HBPIGDQ188S), retrieved from FRED.