The significant increase was primarily driven by news of Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) next year. SpaceX is also set to conduct a share sale that values the company at 800 billion USD, with Musk holding a 42% stake. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index similarly reported Musk's wealth climbing by 167 billion USD on 15/12, bringing his total to 638 billion USD. Year-to-date, he has accumulated an additional 205 billion USD, maintaining his position as the world's wealthiest individual. Forbes recognized this as a major milestone for Musk, positioning him to become the world's first trillionaire.

Elon Musk in Washington on 20/1. *Photo: AP*

Beyond SpaceX, Musk's 12% stake in electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla also contributed to his wealth. Tesla's stock has seen a 13% increase this year, even amidst softening sales. On 15/12, the shares surged by nearly 4% following Musk's announcement that the company is piloting self-driving taxis without a safety supervisor in the passenger seat. Last month, Tesla shareholders approved a record compensation package, potentially adding another 1 trillion USD to Musk's fortune. This package marks the largest in US corporate history. Investors' confidence in Musk's leadership is evident as Tesla pivots its strategic focus towards artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

Furthermore, Musk heads the startup xAI, where he holds a 53% ownership stake. The company is currently in discussions to raise an additional 15 billion USD, which would value it at 230 billion USD.

Musk's wealth has consistently broken records over the past five years. In March 2020, his net worth stood at 24,6 billion USD. Yet, a dramatic surge in Tesla's stock elevated him to become the 5th individual in history to amass 100 billion USD by August of that same year. By January 2021, Musk achieved the status of the world's richest person for the first time, with a net worth of 190 billion USD. In October 2025, his assets reached the 500 billion USD milestone. According to Forbes, currently, only Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle software company, has also surpassed the 300 billion USD and 400 billion USD wealth thresholds.

By Ha Thu (*Reuters, Forbes*)