To be clear, billionaires aren’t avoiding the stock market by any means, but it’s far from their only strategy. While the richest 1% hold an estimated 43% of the globe’s financial assets, their portfolios often extend well beyond Wall Street. These financial elites are diversifying in unexpected ways, tapping into alternative assets and emerging trends that other investors overlook. Here’s a closer look at where the 1% are putting their money.
Consider This: I’m a Financial Advisor: 4 Investing Rules My Millionaire Clients Never Break
Read Next: How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Your State?
For the ultra-wealthy, luxury collectibles — such as art, vintage cars and private jets — have long been staples in their portfolios, and the market for such items is expanding dramatically. These affluent investors pour millions into acquiring one-of-a-kind memorabilia as if checking items off a grocery list.
These luxury goods often appreciate over time, sometimes providing better returns than stocks. In times of economic uncertainty, investors find comfort in tangible and unique assets that can hold or increase their value, even in volatile markets.
Here are some examples of rich collections:
-
François Pinault: He has over 2,500 works in his art collection, featuring pieces by Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst and more. His collection is valued at around $1.4 billion.
-
Ralph Lauren: He has a rare and vintage car collection worth around $600 million.
-
David Geffen: His collection is estimated to be worth a whopping $2.3 billion.
Find Out: How To Turn $100K Into a Million: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Though some things like gold and silver seemingly never go out of style, sustainability appears to be growing in interest for the uber-rich. Investing in farmland, for example, is not only a hedge against inflation but also a bet on the increasing global food demand.
Sustainable farming practices, organic agriculture and even regenerative farming are becoming focal points for the wealthy who want to profit while promoting environmental stewardship. Some billionaires, like Bill Gates, have made headlines for their significant investments in agriculture, and this trend is not likely to slow down.
One notable example is Plenty Unlimited, Inc. — a decade old vertical farming company backed by Jeff Bezos. Despite recent financial hurdles, it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2025 and is currently valued at $1.43 billion. Because it’s a private company, their stock isn’t publicly traded, although accredited investors can potentially buy pre-IPO shares.
