Ultra-high-net-worth individuals with at least $30 million in investable assets saw their wealth increase nearly 10% last year, outpacing millionaires-next-door with $1 million to $5 million who experienced growth of less than 8%, according to a Capgemini report. The wealth gap widened due to the ultra-rich having greater access to higher-returning private equity, hedge funds, and investments in private companies, particularly AI hyperscalers. This trend reflects broader wealth concentration patterns, with ultra-high-net-worth individuals representing just 1% of the high-net-worth population while holding 34.8% of total wealth globally.
Ultra-Rich Outpace Millionaires-Next-Door in Wealth Growth
For the second year running, ultra-high-net-worth individuals saw bigger gains in wealth than millionaires-next-door, according to Capgemini's analysis. The report estimates net worth around the world using data from The World Bank, the Economist Intelligence Unit, and national government statistics, counting anyone with investable assets of at least $1 million as high net worth, excluding primary residences.
Globally, ultra-high-net-worth individuals with $30 million or more in investable assets saw their wealth increase nearly 10%. Millionaires-next-door with $1 million to $5 million had growth of less than 8%. Ultra-high-net-worth individuals make up just 1% of the high-net-worth population but hold 34.8% of the total wealth.
Private Market Access Drives Returns for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Investors
The super rich have more access to higher-returning private equity and hedge funds and have been able to invest in private companies, especially the big AI hyperscalers. They have also seen disproportionately higher returns from the stock market, the report finds.
These individuals have the "ability to get early entries that even the next-door millionaires can't get," says Luca Russignan, global head of Capgemini Research Institute for Financial Services.
AI Boom Fuels Wealth Gains Across High-Net-Worth Population
The AI boom was the main driver overall for rich people wealth last year, according to Russignan.
Global High-Net-Worth Wealth Reaches Record $98.3 Trillion
Overall, globally, the wealth of high net worth individuals rose 8.7% last year, hitting a record $98.3 trillion. The number of these rich folks increased by about 2 million, to 25.3 million.
U.S. Adds 736,000 New Millionaires
The U.S. added 736,000 new millionaires last year, more than any other market globally.
More regular folks are investing in the stock market and other financial assets, but the benefits of doing so vary widely, the report notes.
FAQ
What wealth growth did ultra-high-net-worth individuals see last year?
Ultra-high-net-worth individuals with $30 million or more in investable assets saw their wealth increase nearly 10% last year, according to a Capgemini report.
Why did the ultra-rich outpace millionaires-next-door in wealth growth?
The ultra-rich have greater access to higher-returning private equity and hedge funds, and have been able to invest in private companies, especially AI hyperscalers, giving them early entry opportunities that millionaires-next-door cannot access.
How much wealth do high-net-worth individuals hold globally?
Globally, the wealth of high net worth individuals rose 8.7% last year to a record $98.3 trillion, with the number of these individuals increasing by about 2 million to 25.3 million.
