Share of Financial Assets Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)

WFRBSTP1291 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

16.00

Year-over-Year Change

1.91%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures the share of total financial assets held by the wealthiest 0.1% of U.S. households. It provides insight into wealth concentration at the top of the income 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

The share of financial assets held by the top 0.1% is a key indicator of wealth inequality in the United States. It tracks the proportion of total personal financial wealth owned by households in the 99.9th to 100th wealth percentiles.

Methodology

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

Historical Context

This trend is closely monitored by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to understand the dynamics of wealth distribution and its implications for the broader economy.

Key Facts

  • The top 0.1% of U.S. households owned 17.7% of total financial assets in 2019.
  • Wealth concentration at the top has increased significantly since the 1980s.
  • The top 0.1% held a larger share of financial assets than the bottom 90% combined in 2019.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the share of total personal financial assets held by the wealthiest 0.1% of U.S. households, providing insight into wealth concentration at the top of the income distribution.

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

A: The share of financial assets held by the top 0.1% is a key indicator of wealth inequality and its dynamics, which are closely monitored by economists, policymakers, and market analysts.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is calculated by the Federal Reserve based on the Survey of Consumer Finances.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: This trend is used by policymakers, economists, and market analysts to understand the distribution of wealth and its implications for the broader economy, informing policy decisions and market analysis.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published by the Federal Reserve with a delay, and may be subject to revisions as new information becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Financial Assets Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBSTP1291), retrieved from FRED.