The $11.3 Trillion Wealth Crash That Happened in 2022

LuxuryDecember 21, 2023

In 2022, the world witnessed a surprising twist in the tale of wealth – a drop of $11.3 trillion, the first since the 2008 financial crisis, as revealed by UBS in their Global Wealth Report 2023. But hey, before you start worrying, let’s break down what really happened and why there’s a silver lining!

A Dip in the Wealth Pool

Last year, our global wealth took a 2.4 percent dip thanks to factors like inflation, currency changes, and other economic hiccups. Imagine losing money just because the value of your country’s money changed! If the exchange rates stayed the same as 2021, we could have seen growth. However, reality hit hard with a real wealth loss of -2.6 percent in 2022.

Wealthy Regions Take a Hit

Pixabay | Richer areas, like the U.S. and Europe, faced the brunt, losing a whopping $10.9 trillion.

The richer areas, like the U.S. and Europe, faced the brunt, losing a whopping $10.9 trillion. Asia-Pacific (APAC) also chipped in with a loss of $2.1 trillion. Meanwhile, some places like Latin America, Russia, and India defied the trend, seeing an increase in their wealth.

Wealth Inequality’s New Moves

Hold on, it’s not just about the total wealth drop. The report reveals that the top 1 percent of earners saw a 0.9 percent dip in their total wealth. They still hold a chunky 44.5 percent of the wealth pie, but there’s a slight shift. The number of millionaires globally also slipped by 3.5 million, making us wonder: where did they go?

Hope on the Horizon

Instagram | The report authors predict a whopping 38 percent rise in global wealth.

Feeling a bit down about all this? Don’t be! The report’s authors are optimistic about the future. By 2027, they predict a whopping 38 percent rise in global wealth, reaching a mind-blowing $629 trillion. That’s like a superhero comeback for your piggy bank!

A Glimpse Into the Crystal Ball

So, what’s driving this resurgence? Middle-income countries, also known as “emerging countries,” are set to shine. Wealth per adult is expected to jump to $110,270 by 2027, a significant leap from 2022’s $84,718. With wealth on the rise, the report predicts a global millionaire party, estimating a staggering 86 million millionaires worldwide in 2027.

Pixabay | Report estimates that the global number of millionaires will reach 86 million in 2027.

Luxury Goods and the Wealthy: A Love Story

With all this wealth floating around, luxury goods sellers like LVMH and Kering are gearing up. They’re looking to capture the attention of shoppers in a market that’s slowly waking up after a nap. It’s like a fashion showdown for the elite!

2022 had its share of financial rollercoasters, but the report paints a promising picture ahead. Buckle up, because by 2027, our wallets might be bursting with more than just receipts. The ride may have been bumpy, but the future seems brighter – and wealthier – than ever!