Share of Consumer Credit Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBST01130 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
3.20
Year-over-Year Change
10.34%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The 'Share of Consumer Credit Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)' tracks the concentration of consumer credit held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households. This metric provides insights into wealth inequality and consumer lending trends.
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 indicator measures the percentage of total consumer credit and debt, such as credit card balances and loans, held by the top 1% of U.S. households ranked by wealth. It offers insights into the distribution of consumer credit across the wealth spectrum.
Methodology
The data is calculated based on the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts use this metric to understand wealth inequality and the dynamics of consumer credit markets.
Key Facts
- The top 1% of U.S. households held over 30% of total consumer credit in 2019.
- Consumer credit concentration among the wealthiest has increased significantly since the 1980s.
- Wealth inequality is a key factor in the distribution of consumer credit and debt.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the percentage of total consumer credit and debt, such as credit card balances and loans, held by the top 1% of U.S. households ranked by wealth.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insights into wealth inequality and the dynamics of consumer credit markets, which are important for policymakers and analysts to understand.
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 analysts use this metric to understand wealth inequality and its implications for consumer credit markets and household finances.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is updated periodically based on the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, which may have some update delays.
Related Trends
Total Defined Contribution Pension Entitlements Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles
WFRBLDCPN09
12-Month Moving Average of Unweighted Median Hourly Wage Growth: Type of Pay: Paid Hourly
FRBATLWGT12MMUMHWGTPPH
Share of Home mortgages Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBSB50210
Other Loans and Advances (Liabilities) Held by the 90th to 99th Wealth Percentiles
WFRBLN09051
Income Gini Ratio for Households by Race of Householder, All Races
GINIALLRH
Financial Assets Held by the 50th to 90th Wealth Percentiles
WFRBLN40058
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Consumer Credit Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBST01130), retrieved from FRED.