Two Hispanics are among the top three billionaires named in Forbes' annual list of the richest people.
The number of billionaires in the world, according to Forbes, has reached an all-time high with 1,426 names, up 210 from 2012, with a combined net worth of $5.4 trillion, over last year's $4.6 trillion.
The publication's annual list of the wealthiest people on the planet was lead for the fourth year in a row by Mexico's telecomm tycoon Carlos Slim Helu, who boasted a net worth of $73 billion in 2012 --- $1 billion less than his all-time record. His portfolio saw a boost from surging stock prices with Grupo Financiero Inbursa, his financial arm, and at his industrial and retail giant, Grupo Carso.
Slim Helu also added soccer to the mix, buying into Mexico's Leon and Pachuca soccer teams and Spain's Real Oviedo club.
The list of billionaires list continues with Microsoft founder Bill Gates, with $67 billion, followed by Amancio Ortega Gaona , executive and founding chairman of the Inditex fashion group, better known for its chain of Zara clothing and accessories. His net worth is reported by Forbes as $57, up from $19.5 billion a year ago.
Ortega Gaona's jump to No. 3 on the Forbes list moved him ahead of Warren Buffett, who had $53.5 billion in 2012.
Despite adding $9.5 billion to his fortune, 2013 marks the first time since 2000 Buffett has not been among the list's top three richest people.
The biggest loser in 2013 was is Brazilian energy magnate Eike Fuhrken Batista, who made his fortune in mining and oil and gas exploration. Current chairman of conglomerate EBX Group, Batista saw his fortune drop last year by $19.4 billion, or about $50 million a day. His rank on the Forbes billionaire list falls from no. 7 to no. 100 in the world.
According to Forbes, the U.S. lead the list with 442 billionaires, followed by Asia-Pacific with 386, Europe with 366, the Americas with 129 and the Middle East and Africa, 103.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
