The personal savings rate in the US was 5.9% in Q2 2010, rising from a low of 1-3% from 2005 to 2007, but still below historical averages of around 10% in the 1970s-1980s. The US savings rate is lower than many countries, with China reported to have a rate of 30-40%. While a higher savings rate slows short-term economic growth, it benefits longer-term growth and helps individuals save for large purchases like a down payment.