economy
December 31, 2025
Billionaires added record $2.2tn in wealth in 2025
Just eight billionaires accounted for a quarter of the gains, led by Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Larry Ellison and Larry Page
TL;DR
- The wealthiest 500 individuals globally added a record $2.2 trillion to their wealth in 2025.
- Their collective net worth reached $11.9 trillion, boosted by election results and market booms.
- Eight billionaires, including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, accounted for a quarter of these gains.
- Gina Rinehart's net worth nearly tripled due to her rare-earth metals portfolio.
- Manuel Villar experienced a significant loss, with his net worth dropping after his property firm's shares plummeted.
- Oxfam stated the $2.2 trillion gain could have lifted 3.8 billion people out of poverty.
- Oxfam criticized wealth inequality as a policy choice, noting stagnant public wealth and growing debt.
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