Li Ka-shing got US$5.7b richer last year, and is still Hong Kong’s richest person
The 50 richest people in Hong Kong saw their combined wealth rise by 24 per cent to US$307 billion in 2017, according to the 2018 Forbes Hong Kong Rich List
The 50 individuals on the list saw their combined wealth rise by 24 per cent in 2017 to US$307 billion, up US$60 billion during the year, reflecting the biggest one-year wealth change ever recorded for a Forbes Asia 50 Rich List. The combined wealth figure nearly matches the size of Hong Kong’s economy, with annual GDP totalling US$319.7 billion in 2016.
The gains were driven by the melt up rally in the stock market, as the Hang Seng Index rocketed 36 per cent last year, to rank as the world’s best performing major market, while the local property market also rose to a record.
The rankings reflect the 20th consecutive year Li Ka-shing, 89, has topped the tables as Hong Kong’s richest man. His personal wealth increased by US$5.7 billion for the year, raising his personal fortune to more than US$36 billion.