According to a recent UBS report, the robust stock market performance in 2025 created nearly one million new millionaires worldwide, pushing the global millionaire count to 58 million. The United States was the primary driver, contributing over 440,000 new millionaires last year, averaging more than 1,200 daily. This surge was part of an overall 10.8% rise in global personal wealth, the largest increase since 2017, fueled by an 18% gain in the U.S. stock market.

However, despite the growth in average wealth, UBS highlighted a widening wealth gap as median wealth declined in most regions. In the U.S., for instance, median wealth per adult decreased by about 20% between 2020 and 2025, even though average wealth rose by 10% after adjusting for inflation. Millionaires, particularly those with substantial business or investment portfolios, experienced disproportionately higher gains as their wealth is closely tied to financial market performance.

The data also reveals significant wealth concentration among the richest individuals. Everyday millionaires, with assets between $1 million and $5 million, saw their combined wealth grow by 170% since 2000, while wealthier millionaires saw a 343% increase. Billionaires’ net worth expanded by nearly 25% in the year ending April 2026, driven more by a rising number of billionaires than by increased wealth per individual. Currency fluctuations, particularly the depreciation of the U.S. dollar, also affected global wealth measurements.

On a regional basis, while America holds the largest millionaire population, growth in millionaire numbers was modest at 1.9%. In contrast, regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Africa showed faster asset growth and higher percentage gains in millionaire counts. UBS economists noted uncertainty regarding how geopolitical events, such as the Iran war, might influence wealth preservation and investment strategies in affected regions, with potential shifts in asset allocation and currency exposure expected in the near term.