UBS estimates that 58 million adults worldwide, each worth more than $1 million, hold 48.4% of global wealth, amid protests in several European and Asian countries over household costs and public services.
UBS’s Global Wealth Report 2026 estimates that this group represents 1.5% of adults worldwide. At the other end of the distribution, 1.62 billion adults have less than $10,000 in wealth apiece. They make up 42.1% of adults worldwide but account for 0.6% of global wealth.
The National reported Oct. 23 that demonstrations across Europe and Asia have involved concerns about household expenses, public services and economic prospects. It described different local triggers rather than a common program. In India, for example, protests focus on changes to voter lists, the outlet said.
The National said some protesters view the wealth gap as adding to public frustration over inflation. It also cited energy costs as a contributor to anger across Europe and Asia. Although inflation has eased from recent highs in many countries, prices remain above earlier levels, and wages have lagged in some places, the outlet reported.
A price comparison in the report used a $100 baseline in 2000: by 2025, the measure stood at $151 in France and $1,054 in Serbia. The National said Iran and Turkey recorded higher levels, with its chart using a logarithmic scale to show the differences.
France had the largest marches in the outlet’s account. The National put participation above 500,000 over the preceding weekend and reported episodes of looting and rioting. The wealth estimates describe ownership patterns; they cannot identify why each demonstration occurred, the outlet noted.
EconoTimes previously covered European protests over household costs and education.
