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Elon Musk’s net worth reached an estimated $870 billion after SpaceX’s debut on the stock market, surpassing the annual GDP of 11 of the 12 South American countries. His wealth now exceeds that of Argentina, remaining only behind Brazil, whose GDP is estimated at $2.28 trillion.
Elon Musk has achieved a fortune estimated at $870 billion, equivalent to approximately R$ 4.5 trillion, and holds a net worth greater than the Gross Domestic Product of 11 of the 12 countries in South America. Among the surpassed economies is Argentina, while Brazil remains above, with a GDP estimated at $2.28 trillion.
The information was published by Metrópoles on August 30, 2026, in a report by Pedro Areal, with data from Forbes and GDP figures as of April of that year. The recent increase in his wealth occurred after SpaceX’s launch on the U.S. stock market, a move that significantly boosted the valuation of the rocket and satellite manufacturer.
Musk’s Fortune Reached $870 Billion
Forbes estimated the entrepreneur’s net worth at $870 billion on Friday, August 28.
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In the conversion presented by the publication, the amount corresponds to approximately R$ 4.5 trillion.
Wealth Surpasses 11 of 12 South American GDPs
The comparison considers Musk’s fortune against the annual economic output of South American countries.
With $870 billion, the entrepreneur surpasses the GDP of 11 of the 12 countries in South America, according to the data used in the report.
French Guiana was not included in the comparison as it is a French territory.
Argentina Now Below the Entrepreneur’s Fortune
Before this recent valuation, Musk’s wealth already exceeded that of ten South American economies.
After the launch of SpaceX on the U.S. stock market, his fortune also outstripped Argentina’s GDP, increasing the total number of countries in the region below his estimated wealth to 11.
Brazil is the only South American economy above Musk
Brazil remains an exception in regional comparisons.
The Brazilian GDP is estimated at $2.28 trillion, approximately R$11.83 trillion when converted, still significantly higher than the $870 billion attributed to the entrepreneur.
Market forecasts 1.95% growth for Brazilian GDP
Financial market analysts projected growth of 1.95% for the Brazilian economy in 2026.
If the forecast materializes, the country’s GDP would reach approximately R$12.06 trillion, according to figures presented in the source.
SpaceX debuted on the stock market valued at $2 trillion
The most significant change in Musk’s wealth came from the aerospace company.
In July 2026, SpaceX debuted on the U.S. stock market valued at around $2 trillion.
The rocket and satellite manufacturer began to exert even greater influence over the founder’s fortune.
Company was worth about $1.9 trillion
Following the initial market enthusiasm, SpaceX’s valuation declined.
At the time of publication, the company was valued at approximately $1.9 trillion, below its debut value.
Musk owns about 38% of SpaceX
The equity stake helps explain the company’s impact on the billionaire’s personal wealth.
According to Forbes, Musk holds about 38% of SpaceX, a share that became worth hundreds of billions of dollars after the IPO.
Fortune Exceeded $1 Trillion
The SpaceX debut initially produced an even larger surge.
Musk accumulated over $1 trillion in wealth, briefly becoming a trillionaire according to the valuation referenced by the publication.
However, that level was not maintained.
Stock Decline Reduced Wealth After Initial Euphoria
SpaceX’s stock lost value after the strong movement triggered by the IPO.
As a result, Musk’s fortune fell back to the $870 billion later estimated by Forbes.
SpaceX IPO Marked as the Largest in History
The rocket manufacturer’s stock launch was described as the largest Initial Public Offering in history.
The event significantly increased the market value associated with Musk’s stake in the company and was the main factor cited for the recent rise in his wealth.
Comparison Uses Annual GDP, Not Countries’ Total Wealth
The GDP used for comparison represents the total of goods and services produced and sold within a country over the course of a year.
Musk’s fortune, on the other hand, corresponds to an estimated net worth, primarily based on the value of his business holdings.
The comparison highlights the financial scale reached by these assets but juxtaposes figures of different nature.
Tesla Also Contributes to Elon Musk’s Wealth
SpaceX is not the only company linked to the billionaire.
Musk also owns Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer that has long been one of the main sources of his wealth.
xAI and X are part of the businesses controlled by the entrepreneur
Musk’s portfolio also includes companies related to artificial intelligence and social media.
He owns the artificial intelligence startup xAI and the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Boring Company and Neuralink complete his holdings
Musk also has stakes in other technology ventures.
These include The Boring Company, focused on tunnel construction, and Neuralink, which develops technologies related to brain implants.
Wealth remains below Brazil’s GDP after SpaceX’s decline
Even after dropping from over US$ 1 trillion to US$ 870 billion, Elon Musk’s estimated fortune remains higher than the annual GDPs of 11 South American countries.
Brazil continues to be the only South American economy larger in the comparison, with an estimated GDP of US$ 2.28 trillion, while the valuation of SpaceX remains one of the key elements behind the entrepreneur’s wealth.
In your opinion, what stands out most in this comparison: an individual fortune surpassing the annual GDP of 11 South American countries, the valuation of SpaceX, or the gap that still separates Musk’s wealth from Brazil’s GDP? Share your opinion in the comments.
