Top 1% of Americans Hold $27.64 Trillion in Stocks, or 50% of US Equity Wealth
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jul 2
Top 1% of Americans Hold $27.64 Trillion in Stocks, or 50% of US Equity Wealth
2 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jul 2
Summary
Federal Reserve data for Q1 2026 showed the richest 1% owned half of all US corporate equities and mutual fund shares—about $27.64 trillion—while the bottom 50% held just 1%, or $590 billion.
That gap has widened with the market rally: the S&P 500 rose 9.6% in the first half, the Nasdaq gained 12.8%, the Dow added 8.9% and the Russell 2000 jumped nearly 22%.
Stock ownership remains limited even before wealth is counted: 38% of US households have no equity exposure at all, and the top 10% hold more than 87% of stock and mutual fund wealth.
Trump cited gains in his own disclosure-linked holdings as the market climbed, while economists including Moody's Mark Zandi said the surge boosts affluent households far more than most Americans.
Trump Accounts backers argue broader stock investing could narrow the divide; a McKinsey analysis estimated the program could add $80 billion to more than $900 billion in long-term assets for lower-wealth households over a decade.
Could 'Trump Accounts' fuel market volatility by channeling billions into a handful of index funds?
As millions of children gain market access, what protects their savings from the next major downturn?
How will the government ensure these new accounts actually reach and benefit the most vulnerable families?
93% Held by the Top 10%: The State and Future of U.S. Stock Ownership Concentration (2026)
Overview
This report explores how U.S. stock ownership is highly concentrated among the wealthiest households, using detailed data from the Federal Reserve’s Distributional Financial Accounts. By breaking down households into specific wealth percentiles, the report shows that most stocks are owned by a small elite, while the majority hold very little. The DFAs provide timely, quarterly updates, allowing for a current view of these disparities. This concentration of stock ownership has significant effects on economic equity, financial stability, and social mobility, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing wealth distribution in the U.S.