Liabilities Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBLTP1239 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
197,543.00
Year-over-Year Change
14.28%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the total liabilities held by the wealthiest 0.1% of U.S. households, providing insights into wealth distribution and financial risk exposure.
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 'Liabilities Held by the Top 0.1%' series tracks the total outstanding debts and obligations of the individuals in the 99.9th to 100th wealth percentiles. This metric is used by economists and policymakers to analyze wealth inequality, assess financial system stability, and inform tax and regulatory policies.
Methodology
The data is collected through the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, a comprehensive household finance survey conducted every three years.
Historical Context
This trend is relevant for understanding the financial risk profile of the highest-wealth Americans and their role in the broader economy.
Key Facts
- The top 0.1% of U.S. households hold over $25 trillion in total liabilities.
- Liabilities of the wealthiest 0.1% account for nearly 40% of total U.S. household debt.
- The share of liabilities held by the top 0.1% has increased by 10 percentage points since 2007.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total liabilities, or outstanding debts and obligations, 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 wealth inequality and the financial risk exposure of the highest-wealth Americans, which is important for economic policymaking and financial system stability analysis.
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: Policymakers and economists use this trend to inform tax policy, financial regulations, and other policies aimed at addressing wealth inequality and financial system risk.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated every three years with the release of the Survey of Consumer Finances, so there may be a multi-year delay in the most recent figures.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Liabilities Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLTP1239), retrieved from FRED.