Total Annuities Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)

WFRBLTOP1A • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

281,806.00

Year-over-Year Change

14.90%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures the total annuities held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households. It is a key indicator of wealth concentration and inequality among high-net-worth individuals.

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 Total Annuities Held by the Top 1% metric tracks the cumulative value of annuity-based assets owned by households in the 99th to 100th wealth percentiles. Annuities represent a major class of financial instruments held by the ultra-wealthy as part of their investment portfolios.

Methodology

The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.

Historical Context

This metric is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and wealth managers to understand the dynamics of wealth distribution in the U.S.

Key Facts

  • Annuities account for over 25% of total assets held by the top 1% of U.S. households.
  • The value of annuities held by the top 1% has grown by over 50% in the past decade.
  • Annuities provide a steady stream of income and tax-deferred growth for high-net-worth individuals.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the total value of annuities held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households, providing insight into asset concentration among the ultra-high-net-worth population.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This metric is a key indicator of wealth inequality and the investment behavior of the top 1% of U.S. households, which is highly relevant for policymakers, economists, and wealth managers.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, a comprehensive household finance survey conducted every three years.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: This metric is closely watched by policymakers and analysts to understand the dynamics of wealth distribution and the investment preferences of the ultra-wealthy, which can inform policy decisions related to taxation, retirement planning, and financial regulation.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is only updated every three years with the release of the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, so there may be a significant lag in the most recent information.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Total Annuities Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLTOP1A), retrieved from FRED.