Being a billionaire in 2023 was a lucrative endeavor, especially for the top 10 individuals. Collectively, the wealth of the world’s wealthiest 10 people surged by an astounding $465.6 billion, marking a remarkable 46% increase.
This stands in stark contrast to the S&P 500’s annual gain of 24%. Notably, Elon Musk experienced the most significant jump in net worth, soaring from $137 billion on January 2, 2023, to an impressive $229 billion, as reported by Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index. Following closely in terms of gains was Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg, whose fortune catapulted from $45.6 billion to $128 billion.
Even billionaires who generously gave away portions of their wealth witnessed substantial increases in their net worth. Warren Buffett, for instance, donated $5 billion in June and an additional $870 million in November of the previous year. Despite these charitable acts, his current net worth is $13 billion more than it was on January 2, 2023.
Let’s delve into the wealth progression of the world’s 10 richest individuals, comparing their net worth then and now.
Elon Musk
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2023 – $137 billion
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2024 – $229 billion
Increase: $92 billion
Bernard Arnault
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2023 – $162 billion
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2024 – $179 billion
Increase: $17 billion
Jeff Bezos
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2023 – $107 billion
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2024 – $177 billion
Increase: $70 billion
Bill Gates
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2023 – $109 billion
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2024 – $141 billion
Increase: $32 billion
Steve Ballmer
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2023 – $85.8 billion
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2024 – $131 billion
Increase: $45.2 billion
Mark Zuckerberg
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2023 – $45.6 billion
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2024 – $128 billion
Increase: $82.4 billion
Larry Page
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2023 – $82.9 billion
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2024 – $126 billion
Increase: $43.1 billion
Larry Ellison
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2023 – $91.8 billion
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2024 – $123 billion
Increase: $31.2 billion
Sergey Brin
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2023 – $79.4 billion
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2024 – $120 billion
Increase: $40.6 billion
Warren Buffett
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2023 – $107 billion
Net worth on Jan. 2, 2024 – $120 billion
Increase: $13 billion