Capgemini

The world has never had so many rich people and their investments in soaring stock markets have made them wealthier than ever recorded, according to a study published on Wednesday.

The number of "high net worth individuals" (HNWI) — defined as people with liquid assets of at least $1 million — rose by 5.1 percent last year to 22.8 million, according to consulting firm Capgemini.

For the first time in the last seven years, the wealth of the richest people around the world declined in 2018, a report by the Capgemini consulting firm, quoted by DPA, reported.

The millionaires have also diminished. This is the first time since the financial crisis in 2008.