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Discover how the winds of the global economy affected the fortunes of the richest in a year of financial surprises
The year 2024 has been a real rollercoaster for many billionaires. While some, like Elon Musk, celebrated the impressive milestone of US $ 400 billion, others felt the tide turn. In the United States, stocks shone, but overseas, the story was very different.
The 20 richest people in the world together amounted to $3 trillion, but not everything was a bed of roses, according to Forbes.
Bernard Arnault: the fall of the luxury empire
FOR Bernard Arnault, the year started off promising, but soon the winds changed. The luxury goods magnate saw his fortune fall $24,7 billion.
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- Russian general warns British missile strike could trigger World War III: UK targeted for devastating retaliation
The reason? Chinese consumers, who have always been big buyers, have hit the brakes, and shares of LVMH plummeted. From undisputed leader, Arnault ended up seeing his assets shrink to US $ 171,3 billion.
Carlos Slim Helú: telecommunications under pressure
Carlos Slim Helú also had its challenge. With the América Móvil facing a nearly 20% drop in stocks and a depreciating Mexican peso, he saw US $ 22,9 billion evaporate.
The Mexican billionaire now has US $ 81,3 billion, but is still one of the biggest names in the industry.
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers: beauty in the eye of the storm
The heiress of L'Oréal, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, also did not escape the setbacks of 2024. With a 24% drop in the company's shares, its equity decreased US $ 22 billion.
Still, she holds the title of second richest woman on the planet, with US $ 74,7 billion.
Colin Huang: E-commerce and the Tides of the Economy
In China, Colin Huang saw its position change rapidly. After a quarter below expectations, PDD Holdings' shares fell and its fortunes dwindled in US $ 15,3 billion. Now he meets with US $ 36 billion.
Bill Gates: Philanthropy and Financial Adjustments
And then we have Bill Gates, who saw US $ 12 billion leave your account. But don't worry, it wasn't the market that caused this. He transferred part of his fortune to support his ex-wife's philanthropic projects, Melinda French Gates. Generous, isn't it?
Reflections on a year of challenges
2024 showed that even the richest are not immune to economic storms. The losses of these five add up to US $ 97 billion, but they still have a long way to go.
What remains for us now is to see how billionaires will navigate these uncertain seas in the coming years. After all, the world of fortunes isn't just about the wealthy!
