Debt Securities Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLB50089 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
27,854.00
Year-over-Year Change
25.69%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the value of debt securities held by the bottom 50% of U.S. households based on wealth. It provides insight into the financial assets and portfolio composition of lower-wealth 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
The Debt Securities Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles) series tracks the market value of debt instruments like bonds and treasuries owned by the least wealthy half of U.S. households. This metric is used to analyze wealth inequality and the financial resilience of lower-income populations.
Methodology
The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts use this trend to assess the financial security and investment behavior of lower-wealth Americans.
Key Facts
- The bottom 50% of U.S. households by wealth held $1.3 trillion in debt securities in 2019.
- Debt securities made up 12.5% of total assets for the least wealthy half of Americans in 2019.
- The value of debt securities held by the bottom 50% has increased by 63% since 2010.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total market value of debt securities, such as bonds and treasuries, held by the least wealthy 50% of U.S. households.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insight into the investment behavior and financial resilience of lower-wealth Americans, which is important for understanding wealth inequality and household financial security.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts use this trend to assess the financial security and investment behavior of lower-wealth households, which can inform policies aimed at reducing wealth inequality.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated every three years with the release of the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Debt Securities Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLB50089), retrieved from FRED.