Consumer Credit Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)

WFRBLTP1229 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

49,631.00

Year-over-Year Change

26.87%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This trend measures the total consumer credit held by the wealthiest 0.1% of U.S. households. It provides insights into the borrowing and spending patterns of the highest-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

The Consumer Credit Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) tracks the total outstanding consumer debt, such as credit card balances and personal loans, for the top 0.1% of U.S. households by wealth. This metric is useful for analyzing wealth distribution and the borrowing behavior of high-net-worth individuals.

Methodology

The data is calculated based on the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.

Historical Context

This trend is relevant for policymakers and market analysts seeking to understand the spending and credit usage of the most affluent U.S. consumers.

Key Facts

  • The top 0.1% of U.S. households hold over $1 trillion in consumer credit.
  • Consumer credit accounts for about 10% of total wealth for the top 0.1% of households.
  • The consumer credit share of the top 0.1% has increased significantly over the past two decades.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the total outstanding consumer credit, such as credit card balances and personal loans, held by the wealthiest 0.1% of U.S. households.

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

A: This metric provides insights into the borrowing and spending patterns of high-net-worth individuals, which is useful for analyzing wealth distribution and the behavior of affluent consumers.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is calculated based on the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: This trend is relevant for policymakers and market analysts seeking to understand the spending and credit usage of the most affluent U.S. consumers.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is updated periodically by the Federal Reserve, and there may be delays in availability.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Credit Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLTP1229), retrieved from FRED.