Gina George/
Bill Gates is already the world’s richest man but that’s chicken feed compared to what he could be in the next 25 years: the world’s first trillionaire.
The Microsoft cofounder is already worth $85billion, according to Forbes. But if Gates’ wealth continues to appreciate at the rate of return it has been for the past decade, then by the time 61-year-old Gates hits his 86th birthday, he should be worth a trillion dollars.
The ultrarich have been enjoying an average rate of return of 11 percent since 2009, says the poverty-research group, which recently broke the stunning news that eight billionaires have as much wealth as the 3.6billion people who make up the poorest half of the world’s population, says CNBC.
If Gates’ investments continue at that growth rate, then Gates, or perhaps another billionaire close to his level, will become the world’s first trillionaire. That’s even with the billions Gates has given away to charity.
“If billionaires continue to secure these returns, we could see the world‟s first trillionaire in 25 years,” said the Oxfam report.
“In such an environment, if you are already rich you have to try hard not to keep getting a lot richer,” the report added.
Gates’ estimated net worth grew $10billion to $85billion by January 31, according to Forbes.
As of 2013, Gates had given away $28billion to the Gates Foundation, which helps fight worldwide poverty.