In 2025, the world's richest individuals added a record $2.2 trillion to their wealth, reaching nearly $12 trillion, driven mainly by big tech and AI. Despite this wealth surge, many ultra-wealthy are losing faith in the American Dream, with a declining percentage viewing North America as the top investment opportunity, and more looking towards Europe. Meanwhile, the number of millionaires worldwide has quadrupled since 2000, highlighting growing wealth inequality and changing perceptions of economic prospects.
In 2025, the world's richest added a record $2.2 trillion, yet many ultra-wealthy individuals are increasingly leaving the US for Europe or other regions due to political, social, and economic concerns, reflecting a shift in perceptions of the American Dream despite the US's continued dominance in wealth creation and investment opportunities.
The US added over a thousand new millionaires daily in 2024, reaching 23.8 million, driven by strong Wall Street performance and a stable dollar, though recent market volatility may impact future growth. Globally, the millionaire population increased, with significant wealth concentration among the ultra-rich, but middle-class wealth is also expanding rapidly.
A report by Henley & Partners predicts that the millionaire population in BRICS countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, will surge by 85% over the next decade, surpassing the growth in G7 countries. The BRICS bloc, which currently holds $45 trillion in investable wealth, is expected to challenge the world order and establish itself as a powerful rival to the G7 and other international institutions. India is projected to lead the wealth expansion, with an estimated 110% jump in wealth per capita by 2033, followed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, and Ethiopia.
