What was the average US savings rate between 1990 and 2010?

The average US savings rate between 1990 and 2010 was approximately 5%. This figure reflects a range of economic conditions throughout the two decades, including periods of growth and recession. The savings rate is influenced by factors such as consumer confidence, interest rates, and economic policies, which can encourage or discourage saving behavior.

During this period, the savings rate began lower but saw fluctuations due to varying economic influences. For instance, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was an economic boom that led many to spend rather than save, reducing the average rate temporarily. Conversely, during the 2008 financial crisis, there was a marked increase in savings as consumers became more cautious, yet this spike was not sufficient to elevate the average well above 5% for the entire time span.

The choice of 5% encapsulates the nuances of consumer behavior and economic trends in this 20-year period, making it the most accurate representation of the average US savings rate during those years.