Outlook Business Desk
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has fallen two spots on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index and is now in fifth place after a sharp decline in Meta’s stock linked to its heavy artificial intelligence (AI) investment plans.
Bloomberg estimates Zuckerberg’s net worth at around US$235 billion, reflecting a loss of roughly US$29.2 billion due to the fall in Meta’s stock following investor concerns.
The decline stems from Meta’s ambitious artificial intelligence expansion, with plans to spend up to US$72 billion in 2025, unsettling investors who fear short-term profitability may weaken.
Cautious investor response to Meta’s updated spending plans led to concerns over short-term returns, triggering an 11% stock decline and reshuffling positions on the billionaire index.
The report also highlights how fortunes tied to public companies fluctuate quickly. Zuckerberg’s ranking shift shows the volatility affecting tech billionaires as market sentiment swings with corporate spending news.
Meta’s plan to dominate next-generation AI through large-scale infrastructure spending reflects a long-term gamble that prioritises innovation, but raises short-term doubts about financial discipline and return on investment.
Other tech leaders, including Jeff Bezos and Larry Page, advanced on the Bloomberg Index as their companies benefited from stronger earnings and favourable market movements amid Meta’s stock decline.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg calls Meta’s heavy AI investment a long-term gamble aimed at future leadership in generative technologies. The market’s reaction shows the difficulty of balancing ambition with discipline, making investor confidence vital.