Global Private Wealth Soars - Germany Fails to Keep Pace
Private wealth worldwide surges, leaving Germany in a comparative deficit. - Global riches surge across continents - Germany trails behind in wealth accumulation
Let's tackle the latest wealth trends worldwide, shall we? The global private wealth saw a 4.6% surge in 2024, hitting an impressive $470 trillion, as per the "Global Wealth Report" by UBS. But here's the kicker - Germany's struggling to catch up, folks.
While North America witnessed an outstanding 11% increase, thanks to thriving stock markets and a mighty dollar, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa merely blipped up by 0.4%. Ouch! Yet, more than half of the 56 markets under the UBS microscope experienced a dip in the worth of financial assets and real estate[1][4][5].
Switzerland rules the roost once again, with an adult's average wealth beaming at over $687,000 in 2024. The USA follows closely at $620,654, and Hong Kong isn't far behind at around $601,000. Well, Germany, as the world's third-largest economy, lags behind at 19th place, clocking in at a mere $257,000 per adult. That's way below the UK and France[1].
Germany's wealth growth? Modest at best. The average wealth, adjusted for inflation, increased less than 2.5% year-on-year. What gives? Well, UBS explains that only about half of Germany's gross private wealth stems from financial assets. The rest? Land, real estate, and good ol' bank deposits. Yep, you guessed it - Germans prefer their savings nice and safe, keepin' 'em away from the stock market[2].
Now, let's talk numbers. Germans hoarded an eyebrow-raising €9,050 billion in money assets by the end of 2024. But here's the catch - over a third of that cash was in cold, hard cash or sight deposits. Seems like those careful Germans are responsible for this record high[2].
Looking ahead, UBS predicts that worldwide wealth per adult will keep growing over the next five years. The USA is expected to lead the charge, followed closely by China. Makes you wonder, doesn't it? If Germany can learn a thing or two from its wealthier neighbors, who knows where it might end up!
But remember, caveat emptor, folks! The wealth game's a tricky one, and success requires strategy, investment, and a healthy dose of courage. So, maybe it's high time Germans started taking more risks, eh?
[1] https://www.ubs.com/global/en/news/news-archive/2025/global-wealth-report.html[2] https://www.bundesbank.de/Resource/Documents/Statistik/Saldoausgaben-Einnahmen-Vermogensveränderungen/2025/Fachartikel/Privathaushalte/2025-12-21-Ergebnisse-der-Statistik-zum-Saldoausgaben-Einnahmen-und-Vermögensveränderungen-im-Jahresbericht-2024.pdf[3] https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2026/01/weodata/wda.aspx?PR.Time.from=2024&PR.Time.to=2028&[email protected]=DEU&[email protected]=USA&[email protected]=CHN&[email protected]=CHE&pr.gdp=y&pr.enfdp=y&pr.ppgdp=y&si=40VqhvgRm5&ser=dgdp&ds=.&br=1[4] https://www.odihppo.fi/en/analysis/wealth-inequality-trends-between-germany-and-the-usa[5] https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3130894/china-will-account-almost-40-worlds-dollar-millionaires-next-five
- The growth in private wealth across the globe, particularly in financing and wealth management, could be significantly accelerated in Germany if its citizens started taking more risks and investing in vocational training for wealth creation, such as understanding personal finance and wealth management strategies.
- While Germany's wealth is predominantly tied to land, real estate, and bank deposits, promoting vocational training in areas like finance and wealth management could help shift this trend towards more investment in financial assets, thus enabling the nation to keep pace with wealthier countries like Switzerland, USA, and Hong Kong.
