Consumer Credit Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles
WFRBL99T999202 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
109,577.00
Year-over-Year Change
16.98%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the level of consumer credit held by individuals in the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles in the United States. It provides insights into the borrowing and spending habits of the wealthiest segment of the population.
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 Consumer Credit Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles series represents the outstanding amount of consumer debt, such as credit cards, auto loans, and student loans, held by households in the top 1% to 0.1% of the wealth distribution. This data point is used by economists and policymakers to analyze consumption patterns and financial risk among the highest-income Americans.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve using household survey information.
Historical Context
This trend is relevant for understanding the broader economic implications of debt accumulation and spending behavior among the affluent.
Key Facts
- The 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles account for approximately 1% of the U.S. population.
- Consumer credit held by this group has grown by over 50% in the past decade.
- Debt levels among the wealthiest Americans can impact broader economic trends and financial stability.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the level of consumer credit, such as credit cards, auto loans, and student loans, held by individuals in the 99th to 99.9th wealth percentiles in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This trend provides insights into the borrowing and spending habits of the wealthiest segment of the population, which can have broader implications for economic growth, consumption patterns, and financial stability.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Federal Reserve using household survey information.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This trend is used by economists and policymakers to analyze the financial behavior and risk profiles of high-income households, which can inform policies related to consumer spending, wealth distribution, and financial regulation.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is subject to the availability and timeliness of the underlying household survey, which may result in occasional update delays or revisions.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Credit Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBL99T999202), retrieved from FRED.