What's worrying billionaires in 2026

As 2026 unfolds, the world's wealthiest individuals are expressing deep concerns over a rapidly shifting economic and political landscape.

Topping the list of anxieties is the rise of tariffs, with 66% of surveyed billionaires identifying trade barriers as a primary threat to their interests. This is followed closely by major geopolitical conflicts at 63%, reflecting a global atmosphere of instability that threatens international markets and investment security.

Policy uncertainty is also weighing heavily on the minds of 59% of respondents, as shifting government regulations and political transitions create a difficult environment for long-term planning.

Inflation remains a persistent headache, cited by 44% of those surveyed, while the spectre of a debt crisis is a major worry for 34%.

Other significant stressors include higher taxes at 28% and the potential for a global recession at 27%.

Interestingly, while macro-economic issues dominate the discourse, some of the most discussed global topics appear lower on the priority list for this demographic.

Higher interest rates and supply chain disruptions both worry 19% of respondents, while technological disruptions and climate change sit at 15% and 14% respectively.

Even more striking is the low level of concern regarding a global health crisis, which only 6% view as a top threat, or deflation at 5%.

Only a tiny fraction—1%—reported being entirely unconcerned about the current global outlook, suggesting that even the most affluent are feeling the pressure of an increasingly complex world.