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Using Rich Lists to Study the Super-Rich and Top Wealth Inequality: Insights from Switzerland

Author

Listed:
  • Baselgia, Enea
  • Martínez, Isabel Z.

Abstract

We present a new data set we built based on Swiss rich lists going back to 1989. We show, among other things, that 60% of the super-rich are heirs—a fraction twice as large as in the US—and that wealth mobility at the very top has declined significantly. We find that top 0.01% wealth shares are higher than previous estimates based on wealth tax statistics suggest. At the same time, we argue that rich list data lead to overestimating wealth inequality. While rich lists are valuable to study the super-rich, we recommend to use reported wealth figures with caution.

Suggested Citation

  • Baselgia, Enea & Martínez, Isabel Z., 2024. "Using Rich Lists to Study the Super-Rich and Top Wealth Inequality: Insights from Switzerland," CEPR Discussion Papers 18891, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:18891
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    Cited by:

    1. is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Alvaredo, Facundo & Berman, Yonatan & Morelli, Salvatore, 2024. "Evidence from the Dead: New Estimates of Wealth Inequality Using the Distribution of Estates," SocArXiv a4frb, Center for Open Science.
    3. Laurent Bach & Antoine Bozio & Arthur Guillouzouic & Clément Malgouyres, 2025. "Do Billionaires Pay Taxes?," Working Papers 2025-11, Center for Research in Economics and Statistics.
    4. Tuuli Paukkeri & Terhi Helena Ravaska, 2026. "Wealth and Income Inequality Early in Life: Underage Children as Owners of Privately Held Firms," CESifo Working Paper Series 12491, CESifo.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion

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