The number of dollar millionaires increased 5.1 percent last year to 22.8 million. According to a study by the World Wealth Report consultancy Capgemini, this is the highest number since it began assessing data on them in 1997. The wealth of the rich rose 4.7 percent to a record $86.8 trillion . The rise in stock markets, among other things, helped, DPA news agency reported.
North America
North America saw the biggest increase in millionaires. Thanks to a strong economy, easing inflation and booming stock markets, the wealth of the rich in the region rose 7.2 percent to $26.1 trillion. The number of wealthy people there increased by 7.1 percent to 7.431 million.
“This trend continues similarly in most regions, albeit to a lesser extent,” the study said.
Top positions in the rankings
The United States remains at the top of the rankings ahead of Japan with 3.777 million dollar millionaires. A year ago, there were 3.551 million. In third place is Germany with 1.65 million millionaires, up 2.1 percent year-on-year. China ranked fourth with more than 1.5 million dollar millionaires, up from 1.498 million a year ago.
Capgemini has compiled its report annually since 1997. For the calculation of assets, it takes into account shares, fixed interest securities, alternative investments, cash and real estate when the owners do not live there. It does not include collections or durable goods. The analysis evaluates 71 countries that account for more than 98 percent of the world’s gross national income and 99 percent of global stock market capitalization.
Source: Czech Press Office
