Equity
Definition
The value of ownership in an asset after debts are subtracted. In real estate, it's the property value minus what you owe. In stocks, it represents ownership shares in a company.
Related terms
- Home EquityThe portion of your home that you truly own, calculated as the property's market value minus what you owe on your mortgage. Builds over time through mortgage payments and property appreciation.
- StockA share of ownership in a company. When you buy stock, you become a partial owner with potential to earn money through price appreciation and dividends.
- Net WorthThe total value of your assets minus your liabilities. A key measure of financial health that should ideally increase over time as you build wealth.
By the numbers
What the data says
- Q2 2025
$18.39 trillion
Total US household debt
Up $185 billion in the quarter. Mortgages are $12.94 trillion of it.
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Household Debt and Credit Report - September 2025
3.0%
Consumer prices rose over the previous 12 months
Food up 3.1%, energy up 2.8%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index - 1928 to 2024
~10% a year
Long-run average annual return of the S&P 500 including dividends
Before inflation, 1928 to 2024, with wide swings year to year
Source: NYU Stern, Aswath Damodaran historical returns dataset
National figures from the sources shown, as of the period on each card. They are context, not a forecast or advice for your situation.
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