Missing: 332 billionaires – $1.4 trillion reward if found

Just remember, if you think you have it tough, there are currently 332 people walking around with the heartbreak of being a multi-millionaire. Because this economic crisis is hitting rich folk the hardest:

The richest people in the world have gotten poorer, just like the rest of us. This year the world’s billionaires have an average net worth of $3 billion, down 23% in 12 months. The world now has 793 billionaires, down from 1,125 a year ago.

After slipping in recent years, the U.S. is regaining its dominance as a repository of wealth. Americans account for 44% of the money and 45% of the list’s slots, up seven and three percentage points from last year, respectively. Bill Gates lost $18 billion but regained his title as the world’s richest man. Warren Buffett, last year’s No. 1, saw his fortune decline $25 billion as shares of Berkshire Hathaway fell nearly 50% in 12 months. Mexican telecom titan Carlos Slim Helú maintains his spot in the top three but lost $25 billion.

Personally, I think that the world’s richest men are just Going Galt and working less out of fear that they may have to pay a slightly higher tax rate. It’s a can’t-miss plan, after all.

–WKW

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