The 39th annual Forbes billionaire list is out, and it’s a jaw-dropper.
The number of billionaires has surged to 3,028, a record. Together, these individuals hold a staggering $16.1 trillion, up $2 trillion from last year.
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More than 100 Forbes reporters dove deep into financial data to assemble this list, including stocks, investments, and cash flows, along with more eccentric billionaire purchases like yachts, art collections and even dinosaur bones.
The U.S. holds first place with 902 billionaires, followed by China and Hong Kong (516), and India (205). The wealthiest are led by Elon Musk, with $342 billion, followed by Mark Zuckerberg at $216 billion, and Jeff Bezos at $215 billion. Rounding out the top 10 are heavyweights like Warren Buffett, Larry Ellison, and Bernard Arnault.
In short, the billionaire game is booming. Want in on the action? You might want to take notes from the world’s richest.
‘It’s a great time to be a billionaire’
According to Forbes senior editor Chase Peterson-Withorn, the rise in billionaire wealth isn’t just about tech giants and luxury brands; it’s about how much power these individuals hold.
“It’s a great time to be a billionaire,” Peterson-Withorn recently told NPR’s Morning Edition.
To arrive at these figures, Forbes determines the annual list by tracking every asset, minus any debts. And if a billionaire doesn’t spill the beans themselves, Forbes digs through legal filings, offshore accounts and leaks to get the scoop.
This year, 288 new names have joined the ranks of the world’s billionaires. Among them are celebrities like Bruce Springsteen ($1.2B), Arnold Schwarzenegger ($1.1B), and Jerry Seinfeld ($1.1B).
Also on the list are crypto mogul Justin Sun ($8.5B), along with AI entrepreneurs from companies like Anthropic, CoreWeave, and DeepSeek. The food world is well-represented, with moguls behind popular chains like Cava, Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s, and Zaxby’s.
Topping the list of newcomers is Marilyn Simons, who inherited a $31 billion fortune following the passing of her husband, hedge fund legend Jim Simons, in 2024.
But not every billionaire had a good year.
Over 100 names dropped off the 2024 list, no longer rich enough to make the cut. Some notable exits include Lisa Su, CEO of semiconductor giant AMD, Sara Liu, co-founder of server company Supermicro and Nicholas Puech, heir to the Hermès luxury brand, who says his fortune has disappeared.
"A lot of billionaires don’t have great reputations these days," Peterson-Withorn said, "but on the other hand, they’re more powerful than ever."
There may be some backlash against the billionaires on the Forbes list, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some lessons to be learned about investing from some of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
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How to invest like a billionaire
You don’t need unlimited wealth to invest like a billionaire. The ultra-wealthy use strategy, smart decisions and balancing risk and reward to get ahead. Here’s how you can do the same.
Diversify across asset classes
Ultra-high-net individuals spread their wealth across everything from stocks and real estate to private equity and bonds; in other words, diversifying is key. This reduces risk while increasing the chances for steady, long-term growth. For regular investors, diversifying with exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds covering domestic and international markets is a good start. And don’t forget bonds for stability during market ups and downs.
Consider real estate investing
Real estate is another billionaire favorite. While they may invest in expensive commercial or luxury residential properties, you can get in the game through real estate investment trusts (REITs).
Keep a long-term mindset
The super wealthy don’t chase trends — they think decades ahead. Want to build wealth? Max out contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. These tax-advantaged accounts let your money compound over time.
Manage your risk
While billionaires love high returns, they’re pros at managing risk, and you can do the same by building an emergency fund. Having liquid cash in your account ensures you’re not forced to sell investments during a market slump. A simple buffer can keep you secure while you wait for the market to bounce back.
Leverage AI-powered investing tools
Wealthy investors leverage technology by using AI-powered predictions, algorithmic trading and cutting-edge tools to stay ahead. You don’t need billions to tap into this power. Robo-advisors can help automate your portfolio management based on your goals to help you make smarter investment decisions.
Invest in alternative assets
Many high-net-worth individuals invest in alternative assets such as commodities and fine art to round out their portfolios. Commodities like gold and silver can be hedges against inflation and market volatility. And while not highly liquid, collectibles, artwork or vintage cars can offer diversification and the potential for substantial returns.
Investing like a billionaire isn’t about having a billion-dollar portfolio. It’s about following the basics, diversifying across asset classes and thinking long-term. Leverage technology, manage your risks and stay patient. Whether it’s real estate, stocks or commodities, billionaire strategies can help set you on the path to financial success. Of course, always consult a financial advisor and do the proper research before you dive into any new investment.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
