WASHINGTON (AFP) - American households saw their net worth plummet at the end of 2018 amid a rout on Wall Street, the biggest tumble since the global financial crisis, the Federal Reserve reported on Thursday (March 7).

The benchmark Dow Jones Industrial Average alone lost 13 per cent from October to December, draining the value of stock holdings including in retirement accounts, amid concerns about the slowing US economy and the trade war with China.

Household net worth fell US$3.7 trillion to US$104.3 trillion in the final three months of the year, according to the Fed's quarterly report. The 3.5 per cent decline was the largest drop in percentage terms since the fourth quarter of 2008.

The value of equities alone fell US$4.6 trillion during the quarter but this was partly offset by gains in the value of real estate and other assets, the report said.

Stocks have recovered much of the fourth quarter losses, as Washington and Beijing have signalled they are close to reaching a trade deal, and as Fed policymakers said they intend to hold off on any further increases to benchmark interest rates, reducing concerns that rate hikes would slow the economy.

Declining stock prices in December ate into consumer confidence and coincided with sharp drops in retail sales.

Economists say Wall Street selloffs can make consumers fearful for the future and thus wary of spending.

Consumer spending in December fell 0.5 per cent, its largest monthly decline since September 2009, according to the Commerce Department.