Share of Debt Securities Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBSB50197 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
0.50
Year-over-Year Change
-44.44%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the share of debt securities held by the bottom 50% of U.S. households by wealth. It provides insights into wealth distribution and the financial portfolio composition of lower-income 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 Share of Debt Securities Held by the Bottom 50% tracks the percentage of outstanding debt securities, such as bonds and other fixed-income assets, that are owned by the least wealthy half of the U.S. population. This metric is used by economists to analyze trends in wealth inequality and household financial behavior.
Methodology
The data is calculated based on the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
Historical Context
This trend is relevant for policymakers and analysts assessing the financial health and investment patterns of lower-income Americans.
Key Facts
- The bottom 50% of U.S. households by wealth held just 0.5% of outstanding debt securities in 2019.
- Debt security ownership is highly concentrated, with the top 1% of households holding over 50% of the total.
- Wealth inequality has increased in the U.S. over the past four decades.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the share of outstanding debt securities, such as bonds, that are owned by the least wealthy 50% 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 portfolio composition of lower-income Americans, which is useful for policymakers and economists.
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 assessing the financial health and investment patterns of lower-income households, which can inform policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published by the Federal Reserve on an irregular schedule, with the most recent figure available through 2019.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Debt Securities Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBSB50197), retrieved from FRED.