Business investment: intellectual property vs. structures
This chart compares U.S. business investment in intellectual property with investment in structures. It uses BEA national-accounts data via FRED; the categories measure recorded fixed investment and do not capture every intangible asset, organizational capability, or market value.
What does it show?
U.S. businesses now invest more in intellectual property than in physical structures.
Methodology
Quarterly U.S. private fixed investment in structures (B009RC1Q027SBEA) and intellectual-property products (Y001RC1Q027SBEA), BEA NIPA series via FRED. Current dollars, seasonally adjusted annual rates; the lines compare investment flows, not the stock or market value of tangible and intangible assets.