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Elon Musk becomes first dollar billionaire, NZZ imagines Swiss shopping spree

economy-finance · 2026-06-17

Elon Musk has become the first dollar billionaire in history. The Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) explores what such immense wealth could buy by taking a fictional shopping tour through Switzerland, referencing Swiss landmarks and traditional companies. The article also draws historical comparisons to Mansa Musa, whose lavish gold gifts caused a currency crisis, and Jakob Fugger, who influenced who became emperor.

Key facts

  • Elon Musk is the first dollar billionaire in history.
  • NZZ article imagines what Musk could buy in Switzerland.
  • Article references Mansa Musa, whose gold gifts caused a currency crisis.
  • Article references Jakob Fugger, who influenced imperial elections.
  • The shopping tour includes Swiss landmarks and traditional companies.

Entities

Institutions

  • Neue Zürcher Zeitung

Locations

  • Switzerland

Sources