While the french streets have been witnessing a flood of protesters demanding higher wages and pensions since the start of 2019, the country’s richest citizens have managed to increase their wealth significantly in the first six months.
{"preview_thumbnail":"https://cdn.flowplayer.com/6684a05f-6468-4ecd-87d5-a748773282a3/i/v-i-9…","video_id":"97565128-80d2-46ba-b525-e3be1351c097","player_id":"8ca46225-42a2-4245-9c20-7850ae937431","provider":"flowplayer","video":"Top 10 Best Economy Class Airlines 2019 "}
According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the 14 French billionaires listed in the index have added a combined $78 billion to their collective net worth since Dec. 31 resulting in a 35% increase. It’s worth mentioning that the fortunes of France’s richest have grown the fastest among the other nationalities.
Source: Bloomberg Billionaires Index
Luxury giants Bernard Arnault (LVMH) and Francois Pinault (Kering), and L'Oréal heiress Francoise Bettencourt Meyers topped the list by adding a combined $53 billion.
Arnault became the third centibillionaire when his LVMH’s shares soared 45% this year. The only other people to have personal fortunes of at least $100 billion are Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates.