The number of billionaires in the world could reach 4,000 in the next 5 years. According to analysts, this will be another indicator of the rapid increase in global inequality.
Modern.az reports that the authors of a new study by "Knight Frank" company came to this conclusion. The information was published by "The Guardian".
Currently, there are more than 3,000 billionaires in the world, and their total wealth continues to grow at a record pace. The technology sector and artificial intelligence are cited as the main driving force behind the new wave of "ultra-rich". These areas create enormous wealth in a shorter time compared to previous periods.
According to forecasts, the number of super-rich people will increase even faster, especially in Asia and the Middle East. For example, the number of billionaires in Saudi Arabia is expected to almost triple. At the same time, experts emphasize that the gap between the rich and the poor is growing.
According to the "World Inequality Report", the world's richest 60,000 people control three times more wealth than half of the planet's population.
"Oxfam" estimates the total wealth of billionaires at 18.3 trillion dollars - this is the highest figure ever recorded.
Against this background, calls for higher taxes on the super-rich are increasing. Even some millionaires and billionaires support this idea.
In January, about 400 of the world's richest people signed an open letter demanding more serious taxation of large fortunes, stating that excessive concentration of wealth poses a threat to democracy and political stability.
The authors of the study warn that if the current trend continues, the world economy will become increasingly dependent on the influence of a small group of super-rich. This influence will cover not only business, but also politics, media and technological development.
