Total Defined Benefit Pension Entitlements Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLTOP1DBP • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
1,176,157.00
Year-over-Year Change
4.79%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This trend measures the total defined benefit pension entitlements held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households. It provides insights into wealth concentration and retirement security for high-income 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
Defined benefit pensions guarantee retirees a fixed monthly payment based on factors like salary and years of service. This metric tracks the share of these pension assets owned by the top 1% of households by wealth, offering perspectives on retirement wealth inequality.
Methodology
The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve based on the Survey of Consumer Finances.
Historical Context
Policymakers and economists use this metric to assess the distribution of retirement resources and inform discussions around wealth inequality and retirement policy.
Key Facts
- The top 1% of households own over 50% of total U.S. defined benefit pension assets.
- Pension entitlements make up a larger share of total wealth for the top 1% compared to other groups.
- The concentration of pension wealth has increased over time, mirroring broader trends in wealth inequality.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total defined benefit pension entitlements held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households, providing insights into retirement wealth concentration.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric is relevant for understanding wealth inequality and the distribution of retirement resources, which informs discussions around retirement policy and the retirement security of high-income individuals.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve based on the Survey of Consumer Finances.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and economists use this metric to assess the distribution of retirement resources and inform discussions around wealth inequality and retirement policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated periodically based on the Survey of Consumer Finances, which is conducted every three years.
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Share of U.S. Government And Municipal Securities Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Total Defined Benefit Pension Entitlements Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLTOP1DBP), retrieved from FRED.