Share of Defined Contribution Pension Entitlements Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles

WFRBSDCP99T999 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

10.70

Year-over-Year Change

0.94%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures the share of defined contribution pension assets held by the 99th to 99.9th wealthiest individuals in the United States. It provides insights into wealth concentration and inequality within the retirement system.

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 Defined Contribution Pension Entitlements Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles tracks the distribution of private pension wealth among the highest-income Americans. This metric is used by policymakers and researchers to assess the degree of retirement asset concentration at the top of the wealth distribution.

Methodology

The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve using survey responses and administrative records.

Historical Context

This trend offers valuable context for evaluating the equity and inclusiveness of the U.S. retirement savings system.

Key Facts

  • The top 0.1% of wealth holders own over 20% of U.S. defined contribution pension assets.
  • Pension wealth is more concentrated than overall household wealth in the U.S.
  • Retirement savings incentives disproportionately benefit high-income Americans.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the share of defined contribution pension assets held by the 99th to 99.9th wealthiest individuals in the United States.

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

A: This metric provides insights into wealth concentration and inequality within the U.S. retirement system, which is valuable for evaluating the equity and inclusiveness of private pension savings.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve using survey responses and administrative records.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: This trend offers valuable context for policymakers and researchers assessing the distribution of retirement assets and the degree of concentration at the top of the wealth distribution.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data may have update delays due to the time required to collect and process the underlying survey and administrative information.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Defined Contribution Pension Entitlements Held by the 99th to 99.9th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBSDCP99T999), retrieved from FRED.