UBS Global Wealth Report 2026 reveals widening wealth inequality

The UBS Global Wealth Report 2026 indicates that while global personal wealth grew by 10.8% in 2025, wealth inequality is deepening. The report highlights a significant discrepancy between average wealth and median wealth, noting that a small number of ultra-wealthy individuals often inflate national averages.

In the United States, the average wealth per adult is $696,277, ranking second globally, yet the median wealth is only $68,998, placing it 28th among 56 markets. Similarly, Switzerland ranks first in average wealth at $910,382, but drops to eighth place when measured by median wealth of $145,555.

The report describes a potential end to the traditional wealth pyramid. As of 2025, the 58 million adults holding over $1 million each account for 38.8% of total wealth. Meanwhile, the 1.58 billion people in the lowest wealth bracket hold only 0.6% of global wealth. The number of millionaires grew by approximately 1 million in 2025, with half of that increase originating in the United States.