Share of Defined Benefit Pension Entitlements Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBSDBPB50 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
2.70
Year-over-Year Change
3.85%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The 'Share of Defined Benefit Pension Entitlements Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles)' measures the portion of private pension wealth held by households in the bottom half of the wealth distribution.
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
This indicator provides insight into the distribution of private retirement assets, which is a key component of household wealth and financial security. Analyzing the share held by lower-wealth individuals can inform policymakers about access to and adequacy of retirement savings.
Methodology
The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve using survey data on household wealth and pension entitlements.
Historical Context
This metric is relevant for evaluating the inclusiveness of the private retirement system and informing policies to promote more equitable retirement outcomes.
Key Facts
- The bottom 50% of households hold about 5% of private pension wealth.
- Pension wealth is highly concentrated, with the top 10% of households holding over 70% of total entitlements.
- The share held by the bottom 50% has declined from around 7% in the early 2000s.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator measures the share of defined benefit pension entitlements held by households in the bottom 50% of the wealth distribution.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Analyzing the distribution of private retirement assets provides insight into the inclusiveness and adequacy of the retirement system, which is important for evaluating financial security and informing policy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve using survey data on household wealth and pension entitlements.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This metric is relevant for policymakers evaluating the equity of the private retirement system and developing policies to promote more inclusive access to retirement savings.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published periodically by the Federal Reserve and may have lags or limitations in timeliness or coverage.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Defined Benefit Pension Entitlements Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBSDBPB50), retrieved from FRED.