Share of Nonfinancial Assets Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles

WFRBSN09136 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

29.20

Year-over-Year Change

-0.34%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

The 'Share of Nonfinancial Assets Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles' measures the portion of total nonfinancial assets held by households in the 90th to 99th wealth percentiles in the United States. This metric provides insight into wealth inequality and concentration among the upper-middle and upper classes.

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 economic trend reflects the distribution of nonfinancial assets, which include real estate, business equity, and other tangible wealth holdings, across different wealth groups in the U.S. population. Analysts use this data to assess trends in wealth inequality and the accumulation of assets among the wealthiest households.

Methodology

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

Historical Context

Policymakers and economists monitor this metric to understand the dynamics of wealth concentration and inequality, which have implications for economic growth, social mobility, and the design of tax and fiscal policies.

Key Facts

  • The 90th to 99th wealth percentiles held 79.4% of total U.S. nonfinancial assets in 2019.
  • Wealth concentration among the top 10% has increased significantly since the 1980s.
  • Nonfinancial assets account for the majority of total household wealth in the U.S.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the share of total nonfinancial assets, such as real estate and business equity, held by households in the 90th to 99th wealth percentiles in the United States.

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

A: This metric provides insight into wealth inequality and the concentration of nonfinancial assets among the upper-middle and upper classes, which is important for understanding economic trends, social mobility, and policy implications.

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: Policymakers and economists monitor this metric to understand the dynamics of wealth concentration and inequality, which have implications for economic growth, social mobility, and the design of tax and fiscal policies.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Survey of Consumer Finances is conducted every three years, so there may be a delay in the availability of the most recent data.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Nonfinancial Assets Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBSN09136), retrieved from FRED.