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Global trends in relative and absolute wealth concentrations

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  • Thomas Goda

Abstract

This paper compares changes in relative and absolute wealth concentrations to establish if both processes have followed similar trajectories. The findings indicate that while the level of relative wealth concentration has increased recently, it is not extraordinarily high in an historical perspective. On the contrary, the level of absolute wealth concentration is most likely higher than that previously occurred because of the increase in the wealth holdings and population size of high net worth individuals. The sustainability of this on-going absolute concentration of wealth is questionable insofar as the resulting pressure of investor demand for safe securities poses a potential threat for financial stability.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Goda, 2014. "Global trends in relative and absolute wealth concentrations," Documentos de Trabajo de Valor Público 10897, Universidad EAFIT.
    • Handle: RePEc:col:000122:010897
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Onaran, Özlem & Stockhammer, Engelbert, 2016. "Progressive policies for wage-led growth in Europe," Greenwich Papers in Political Economy 15527, University of Greenwich, Greenwich Political Economy Research Centre.
    3. Goda, Thomas & Onaran, Özlem & Stockhammer, Engelbert, 2014. "A case for redistribution? income inequality and wealth concentration in the recent crisis," Greenwich Papers in Political Economy 14056, University of Greenwich, Greenwich Political Economy Research Centre.
    4. Photis Lysandrou & Offiong Helen Solomon & Thomas Goda, 2016. "The Differential Impact of Public and Private Governance Institutions on the Different Modes of Foreign Investment," International Review of Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(6), pages 729-746, November.
    5. Onaran, Özlem, 2015. "State and the economy: a strategy for wage-led development," Greenwich Papers in Political Economy 14075, University of Greenwich, Greenwich Political Economy Research Centre.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    wealth inequality; wealth concentration; extraordinary wealth; high net worth individuals;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • N30 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • P46 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Consumer Economics; Health; Education and Training; Welfare, Income, Wealth, and Poverty

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