According to a report by Altrata, the global billionaire population increased by 8.2% in 2025, marking the largest annual growth in five years. Their combined wealth rose by 12.8% to $15.1 trillion, with 150 publicly listed companies identified as key contributors to this wealth, particularly those investing heavily in AI.
Companies that allocated at least $30 million to AI over the past five years saw a 23% increase in market capitalization compared to those that did not. The report also noted a growing concentration of wealth among 'superbillionaires,' individuals worth over $50 billion, who now account for 27% of total billionaire wealth.
This concentration raises concerns about volatility, especially as tech stocks, particularly those linked to AI, have shown significant price fluctuations. For instance, notable billionaires like Elon Musk and Larry Ellison experienced dramatic losses in their net worth due to market swings.
The report highlights that while the AI boom has created unprecedented wealth, it also poses risks due to market concentration in the tech sector. North America leads in billionaire growth, with an 11.6% increase, attributed to its strong tech market presence.
Overall, 2025 was a favorable year for asset returns, contrasting with the previous pandemic period, despite ongoing economic challenges such as trade tensions