Share of Liabilities Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)
WFRBSTP1293 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
1.00
Year-over-Year Change
0.00%
Date Range
7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The 'Share of Liabilities Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)' measures the concentration of total U.S. household liabilities held by the wealthiest 0.1% of Americans.
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 tracks wealth inequality by showing how a small fraction of the population holds a disproportionate share of total household debt. It is used by policymakers and analysts to understand the dynamics of wealth distribution and financial risk.
Methodology
The data is calculated from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
Historical Context
Monitoring this trend helps assess financial stability and guide policies that address wealth concentration.
Key Facts
- The top 0.1% held over 18% of total U.S. household liabilities in 2019.
- Household debt held by the wealthiest 0.1% has risen from 12% in 1989 to over 18% in 2019.
- Wealth inequality has increased significantly in recent decades in the U.S.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator tracks the share of total U.S. household liabilities held by the wealthiest 0.1% of the population.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Monitoring the concentration of household debt among the top wealth percentiles helps assess financial stability and wealth inequality.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is derived from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers use this indicator to understand wealth distribution dynamics and guide policies that address financial risk and inequality.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published with a delay, and the survey methodology may have limitations in fully capturing the debt held by the wealthiest individuals.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Share of Liabilities Held by the Top 0.1% (99.9th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBSTP1293), retrieved from FRED.