The richest people on Earth became even richer in 2012, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which ranks the world\u2019s 100 wealthiest individuals, daily.<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
16 of the top 100 posted a net loss over the year, according to Bloomberg.<\/p>\n
The biggest winner for 2012 was Amancio Ortega<\/a>, the Spanish founder of retailer Inditex SA (operator of the Zara clothing chain).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Carlos Slim<\/a>, the telecommunications magnate who controls Mexico\u2019s America Movil<\/a>, kept his title of the richest person on Earth for the entire year.<\/p>\n The 72-year-old\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Slim has a net worth of $76.4 billion (R651.2 billion), according to the index.<\/p>\n Retail and telecommunications fortunes surged about 20% on average during the year, Bloomberg said.<\/p>\n Former Microsoft<\/a> CEO and all-round billionaire philanthropist, Bill Gates<\/a>, retained his place as second richest person in the world with a net worth of $63.4 billion (R540.4 billion).<\/p>\n Oracle<\/a> CEO, Larry Ellison<\/a> also remains high on the list in 8th position, with a net worth of $40.7 billion (R346.9 billion).<\/p>\n The Bloomberg Billionaires Index is a ranking of the world\u2019s richest people according to their estimated net worth, and is updated daily.<\/p>\n The index is a dynamic measure of the world\u2019s wealthy based on changes in markets, the economy, and Bloomberg reporting.<\/p>\nBloomberg’s top 10 billionaires:<\/h3>\n