The number of billionaires in the world has soared by 30 per cent in just a year - in stark contrast to millions who have lost their livelihoods during the pandemic.
A total of 2,755 people now share a huge combined wealth of £9.54 trillion, it has emerged - up from £5.83 trillion a year ago.
This is a rise of 660, with newcomers including four of the UK's 85 billionaires, the latest Forbes Rich List reveals. Despite the economic misery the pandemic has unleashed, someone now reaches $1 billion in personal wealth every 17 hours, Forbes says.
Amazon owner Jeff Bezos is in the world's top spot, with a wealth of nearly £129 billion, while Tesla boss Elon Musk is in second place.
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