United States Gross Fixed Capital Formation
Investment in fixed assets (machinery, buildings, infrastructure) as a share of GDP.
Gross Fixed Capital Formation in the United States decreased to 21.35 percent of GDP in 2024 from 21.38 percent of GDP in 2023.
United States Gross Fixed Capital Formation — History
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United States Gross Fixed Capital Formation — analysis in simple words
Latest reading
Gross Fixed Capital Formation in the United States decreased to 21.35 percent of GDP in 2024 from 21.38 percent of GDP in 2023.
Over the last three years it rose twice and fell once.
Recent trend
A year earlier (2023) it was 21.4%, so the latest figure is 0.0 percentage points lower.
Over the past five years the average was 21.4%, with a range from 21.3% to 21.6%. The latest value is below that five-year average.
Historical context
This data series starts in 1970 and has 55 annual observations. The latest reading is higher than 45% of all of them.
The highest value on record is 24.4% (1979) and the lowest is 18.3% (2010). The long-run average is 21.6%.
Compared with other countries
Among 170 economies with recent data, United States ranks 100th from the top. The median across all these economies is 22.1%, so United States is below the typical country.
Among 19 major economies tracked on this site it ranks 14th.
Within North America (3 economies with data) it ranks 2nd; the regional median is 21.3%.
Statistics
- Latest
- 21.3%2024
- Previous
- 21.4%
- 5-year average
- 21.4%
- Long-run average
- 21.6%since 1970
- All-time high
- 24.4%1979
- All-time low
- 18.3%2010
- Observations
- 55Annual
Recent Data
| Period | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 21.3% | ▼ −0.0 pp |
| 2023 | 21.4% | ▲ +0.0 pp |
| 2022 | 21.3% | ▲ +0.0 pp |
| 2021 | 21.3% | ▼ −0.3 pp |
| 2020 | 21.6% | ▲ +0.2 pp |
| 2019 | 21.3% | ▲ +0.0 pp |
| 2018 | 21.3% | ▲ +0.3 pp |
| 2017 | 21.0% | ▲ +0.3 pp |
| 2016 | 20.7% | ▲ +0.0 pp |
| 2015 | 20.6% | ▲ +0.2 pp |
| 2014 | 20.4% | ▲ +0.7 pp |
| 2013 | 19.8% | ▲ +0.2 pp |
| 2012 | 19.5% | ▲ +0.8 pp |
| 2011 | 18.7% | ▲ +0.4 pp |
| 2010 | 18.3% | ▼ −0.5 pp |
| 2009 | 18.8% | ▼ −2.4 pp |
| 2008 | 21.2% | ▼ −1.1 pp |
| 2007 | 22.3% | ▼ −0.7 pp |
| 2006 | 23.0% | ▲ +0.1 pp |
| 2005 | 22.9% | ▲ +0.8 pp |
| 2004 | 22.1% | ▲ +0.5 pp |
| 2003 | 21.6% | ▲ +0.1 pp |
| 2002 | 21.5% | ▼ −1.0 pp |
| 2001 | 22.5% | ▼ −0.6 pp |
| 2000 | 23.1% | ▲ +0.4 pp |
| 1999 | 22.8% | ▲ +0.5 pp |
| 1998 | 22.3% | ▲ +0.7 pp |
| 1997 | 21.6% | ▲ +0.3 pp |
| 1996 | 21.3% | ▲ +0.5 pp |
| 1995 | 20.9% |
Gross Fixed Capital Formation — United States vs Peers
Latest available reading for each economy (periods may differ). United States highlighted.
More United States indicators
Understanding Gross Fixed Capital Formation — a simple guide
What it measures
Investment in fixed assets — machinery, buildings, infrastructure — as a share of GDP.
How it is calculated
Spending on new machinery, buildings, roads and other fixed assets ÷ GDP × 100.
A ratio of 30% means nearly a third of output is invested in future capacity.
High investment supports future growth.
Low investment can limit future productive capacity.
Why it matters for the economy and markets
Investment builds future productive capacity and is a key driver of long-term growth.
How to read it
Very high ratios can signal rapid catch-up growth but also over-investment risk.
Data source
World Bank — World Development Indicators (series NE.GDI.FTOT.ZS), annual data from 1970 to 2024. Values are shown exactly as published by the source and may be revised later.
How to use the chart
Use the 5Y / 10Y / 25Y / Max buttons to change the time range, or drag the slider under the chart. Hover (or tap) on the line to see the exact value for any period. Dashed lines and hatched bars are IMF projections, not actual data. The “Download CSV” button gives you the full data series.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current gross fixed capital formation of United States?
What is the highest and lowest gross fixed capital formation of United States?
What does gross fixed capital formation measure?
Data are sourced from official international organisations (IMF, World Bank, BIS) and national authorities, and are shown for educational and informational purposes only. They are not investment advice and no recommendation is made. Figures may be revised by the source; IMF figures for the current and future years are projections. This page was last updated on Saturday, October 17, 2026.