How much total wealth did Forbes estimate for the world’s billionaires in 2023?

Forbes estimated the combined wealth of the world’s billionaires at $12.2 trillion in 2023.

The figure came from Forbes’ 2023 World’s Billionaires report, which counted 2,640 billionaires worldwide. Their combined wealth was lower than the previous year’s estimate because falling stock markets and economic uncertainty reduced the value of many public and private holdings.

Forbes calculates billionaire wealth from ownership stakes, company valuations, property and other assets, while subtracting known debts. Because markets move daily, the total is a snapshot rather than a permanent measurement.

The $12.2 trillion figure describes the aggregate fortune of people who met Forbes’ billionaire threshold. It is not the value of all billionaire-owned companies, nor is it the same as the gross domestic product of a country.