Global Wealth Surges Ahead - Germany Falling Short
Affluent figures globally are surging ahead - Germany trails behind in this growing trend - Global private wealth surges, leaving Germany in a comparative slump
Let's face it, the world's private wealth ain't playing games in 2024. The globe's riches have risen by an impressive 4.6% to an astonishing $470 trillion, as revealed in the "Global Wealth Report" from UBS - and guess whose pocketbook is wheezing like a ’67 Chevy? You got it: Germany.
North America is raking in the big bucks with a massive 11% growth, chiefly due to raging stock market bulls and a strong greenback. On the other hand, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa could only muster a ceaseless yawn with a 0.4% increase. Ouch!
Rich List Still Kings
- rolls eyes * Switzerland, the traditional harbor for wealth, heads the rich list once more, with an average adult wealth of over $687,000. The US is a close second with $620,654 and Hong Kong rounds out the top three with around $601,000.
- blank stare * Well, didja expect anything different, Germany's ranked a measly 19th with a mere $257,000 per adult. And that's even behind the UK and France, for Pete's sake!
Germany's Modest Wealth Increase
UBS reckons that Germany's wealth only increased by about 2.5% last year, far less than the US and other leading economies. The bank also noted that less than half of Germany's private wealth is made up of financial assets, which means Germans ain't exactly struck it rich from soaring stocks.
Most of their wealth comes from non-financial areas such as land and real estate. But, hey, at least Germans are hoarding their dough - literally. According to the Bundesbank, private households' money assets hit an all-time high of around €9,050 billion at the end of 2024. But don't get too excited; more than a third of it was kept in cash and sight deposits.
The Future of Global Wealth
The good news is that the world's private wealth is expected to keep growing over the next five years, with the US leading the pack, followed closely by China.
In summary, while the global economy's wealth is thriving, Germany's ain't keeping pace with the big boys. And don't go thinking it’s all about finance - slow financial market growth, currency issues, limited wealth transfers, and economic structure differences are the real culprits behind Germany's sluggish wealth rise. So, grab a beer, Germany - looks like we got some catchin' up to do!
[1] Agenda, UBS. (2025). Global Wealth Report 2025.
[2] Forbes. (2024). Why Germany Is Falling Behind In The Global Wealth Race.
[3] Morgan Stanley. (2025). Global Wealth: The Americas Take The Lead.
- To boost its wealth growth and catch up with other leading economies, Germany might consider investing in vocational training for its workforce, as this could help foster a more competitive workforce in the personal-finance sector.
- For German citizens looking to increase their personal wealth, it may be beneficial to examine alternative avenues for investing, such as community-backed projects or real estate opportunities, given the limited growth in financial assets observed in the country.
