The world’s billionaires get even richer
The richest people on Earth became even richer in 2012, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which ranks the world’s 100 wealthiest individuals, daily.
According to Bloomberg’s index, the top 100 richest people added $241 billion (R2.0 trillion) to their collective net worth – with an aggregate net worth sitting at $1.9 trillion (R16.2 trillion).
16 of the top 100 posted a net loss over the year, according to Bloomberg.
The biggest winner for 2012 was Amancio Ortega, the Spanish founder of retailer Inditex SA (operator of the Zara clothing chain).
According to the index, the 76-year-old’s fortune increased $22.2 billion (R189.2 billion) to $57.5 billion (R490.2 billion), as shares of Inditex, rose 66.7 percent.
Carlos Slim, the telecommunications magnate who controls Mexico’s America Movil, kept his title of the richest person on Earth for the entire year.
The 72-year-old’s net worth rose $13.4 billion (R114.2 billion) – or 21.6 percent – through to December 31st, making him the second-biggest gainer, according to the index.
Slim has a net worth of $76.4 billion (R651.2 billion), according to the index.
Retail and telecommunications fortunes surged about 20% on average during the year, Bloomberg said.
Former Microsoft CEO and all-round billionaire philanthropist, Bill Gates, retained his place as second richest person in the world with a net worth of $63.4 billion (R540.4 billion).
Oracle CEO, Larry Ellison also remains high on the list in 8th position, with a net worth of $40.7 billion (R346.9 billion).
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index is a ranking of the world’s richest people according to their estimated net worth, and is updated daily.
The index is a dynamic measure of the world’s wealthy based on changes in markets, the economy, and Bloomberg reporting.
Bloomberg’s top 10 billionaires:
| Rank | Name | Position | Country | Est. Net Worth |
| 1 | Carlos Slim Helú | Chairman, America Movil | Mexico | $76.4 billion |
| 2 | Bill Gates | Co-chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | USA | $63.4 billion |
| 3 | Amancio Ortega | Chairman, Inditex | Spain | $59.3 billion |
| 4 | Warren Buffett | CEO, Berkshire Hathaway | USA | $49.8 billion |
| 5 | Ingvar Kamprad | IKEA | Sweden | $43.4 billion |
| 6 | Charles Koch | CEO, Koch Industries, Inc. | USA | $41.7 billion |
| 7 | David Koch | Executive VP, Koch Industries, Inc. | USA | $41.7 billion |
| 8 | Larry Ellison | CEO, Oracle | USA | $40.7 billion |
| 9 | Bernard Arnault | CEO, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton | France | $29.8 billion |
| 10 | Li Ka-Shing | Chairman, Hutchison Whampoa | Hong Kong | $29.0 billion |
Source: Bloomberg
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