Richest Gain Record $2.2 Trillion Amid Market Boom, AI & Trump Effect

• World's 500 richest added a record $2.2 trillion to their wealth, reaching $11.9 trillion total.
• Gains were driven by booming equities, cryptocurrencies, precious metals, AI euphoria, and Donald Trump's election victory.
• Larry Ellison, Elon Musk, Gina Rinehart, and Donald Trump & family saw significant wealth increases.
• Manuel Villar, Bob Pender, Mike Sabel, Michael Saylor, and Wang Xing experienced substantial losses.
• Global markets like FTSE 100 and Hang Seng outperformed S&P 500; crypto saw a surge then a massive slide.

Why It Matters: Global billionaires saw unprecedented wealth growth this year, fueled by diverse market forces and key events.