The 2019 Forbes World’s Billionaires list reveals a decline in both the number of billionaires and their collective wealth. Forbes cited economic pressures and declining stock markets as factors, noting 2,153 billionaires exist globally—55 fewer than in 2018. Of these, 994 (46%) are wealthier than they were a year prior, while total ultra-rich net worth dropped $400 billion to $8.7 trillion.
"11% of last year’s list members, or 247 individuals, exited the ranks—the highest decline since 2009 during the global financial crisis," the report stated. Regional shifts were significant: Asia-Pacific lost 60 billionaires, with China recording 49 fewer. The Americas saw gains, as Brazil and the U.S. were the only regions to increase their billionaire counts compared to 2018.
The U.S. now hosts a record 607 billionaires, including 14 of the world’s 20 richest. Jeff Bezos retained the top spot, while Bill Gates ranked second, according to the data.
