Total US Net Worth in 2019
The Federal Reserve's Financial Accounts of the United States report that total US net worth reached a record high in 2019, driven by gains in real estate, corporate equities, and consumer durable assets. Households and nonprofit organizations held a larger share of national wealth than in prior years, reflecting rising asset prices and low unemployment. For detailed tables, see the Federal Reserve's official release on household wealth.
Corporate sector net worth also expanded in 2019, as nonfinancial corporations added to their cash reserves and equity values increased. The combined effect of rising stock markets and strong corporate earnings pushed aggregate business assets higher, while liabilities remained relatively stable compared with asset growth.
Top Wealthy Companies and Sectors in 2019
Technology and Market Capitalization Leaders
Technology companies dominated the top of the corporate wealth rankings in 2019, with Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon leading in market capitalization and total assets. Apple's market value surpassed $1 trillion during the year, supported by strong iPhone and services revenue and a growing cash pile. For more on Apple's financial position, see the company's investor relations page.
Other major sectors such as finance, healthcare, and energy also held significant net worth, though technology firms added value at a faster rate. Financial holding companies and large banks maintained substantial asset bases, while energy companies faced more modest gains as oil prices fluctuated within a narrow range during the year.
Household Net Worth Trends and Rankings in 2019
Wealth Distribution Across Income Groups
Data from the Federal Reserve and the Survey of Consumer Finances show that the top percentile of US households controlled a large share of total net worth in 2019, while middle-income families saw more modest gains. Real estate remained the largest single asset category for most families, followed by retirement accounts and corporate equities.
Forbes and other financial outlets tracked the growth of individual billionaires during 2019, noting that the combined wealth of the richest Americans rose as stock markets climbed. The Forbes billionaires list highlights the concentration of wealth among a small group of individuals whose fortunes are tied closely to equity holdings in major public companies.