Allianz Wealth Report | Rising uncertainty took its toll on financial markets in 2018 – and households felt the brunt: Private financial assets fell by 0.1% in 2018, the first decline since 2008. Gross financial assets in the 53 countries we analyzed thus remained more or less flat at EUR 172.5 trillion. The decline in gross financial assets in 2018 was widespread, both emerging and advanced countries ended the year in the red. For emerging markets, it was the first time in this century, for advanced markets the third time since 2008 and 2002.