326 Richest 1% to own more than rest of world, Oxfam says

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The wealthiest 1% will soon own more than the rest of the world’s population, according to a study by anti-poverty charity Oxfam.

The charity’s research shows that the share of the world’s wealth owned by the richest 1% increased from 44% in 2009 to 48% last year.

On current trends, Oxfam says it expects the wealthiest 1% to own more than 50% of the world’s wealth by 2016.

The research coincides with the start of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

I – Word Understanding
trend – something that has become currently common
coincide – happens at the same time (with something else)

II – Have Your Say
1. It said that that comparison had now become even more stark, with the 80 richest people having the same wealth as the poorest 50% (3.5 billion). What can governments do to tackle inequality?
– clampdown tax evasion
– higher tax for the rich
– living wage for all workers

2. Becoming rich is a combination of luck, skill, and patience. What do you do to become rich?

3. They say that rich people think differently. What is it that separates the rich from us?

326 Richest 1% to own more than rest of world, Oxfam says