If there's a list of things people like to talk about money would be one of those things. Hopefully this article can influence, motivate, or maybe shed some insights on the individuals who own majority of the worlds dollars today and how they came about.
No. 1 Carlos Slim Helú & family
Net Worth: $74 billion UPSource: TelecomMexicoThe worlds richest person for a second year in a row, the Mexican telecom mogul is also the years biggest gainer, having added $20.5 billion to his fortune and widened the gap between him and No. 2, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, to $18 billion. A 19% rise in the Mexican stock market, a stronger peso, and successful mining and real estate spinoffs from conglomerate Grupo Carso all contributed to the astonishing increase. He also merged his fixed-line telecom company into America Movil, Latin America’s largest wireless carrier; the Slim family stake in that holding accounts for 62% of his net worth. He has other holdings in retailer Saks and the New York Times. Recently unveiled a new building for his Soumaya Museum, which houses his vast art collection. It is open to the public for free.
No. 2 Bill Gates
Net Worth: $56 billion UP
Source: Microsoft
United States
Microsoft mogul, futurist and America’s richest person has, with help from billionaire buddy Warren Buffett, convinced nearly 60 of the world’s wealthiest to sign his “Giving Pledge,” promising to donate the majority of their wealth to charity either during their lifetime or after death. He is no longer the planet’s richest person, but that’s because he’s given away $30 billion to his foundation. The Gates Foundation, the world’s most influential charity, tackles tuberculosis and polio and funds famine-resistant crops to fight hunger. He is calling for a higher sense of urgency in AIDS vaccine development and also pushing for better tools to rate teacher performance. Gates holds 70% of his wealth in investment fund Cascade, dabbling in everything from autos to hedge funds to Mexican Coke bottler Femsa; the
rest of his wealth is held in Microsoft stock.
No. 3 Warren Buffett
Net Worth: $50 billion UP
Source: Berkshire Hathaway
United States
The venerable investor’s Berkshire Hathaway climbed more than 15% over the last year adding $3 billion to his fortune. The 80-year-old is still hunting big deals: “Our elephant gun has been reloaded, and my trigger finger is itchy.” Along with bridge partner Bill Gates, the Oracle of Omaha is coaxing America’s richest to pledge half their fortunes to charity.
No. 4 Bernard Arnault
Net Worth: $41 billion UP
Source: LVMH
France
The Lord of Luxe easily retains title of richest European. Fortune surged by $13.5 billion as shares of his luxury good outfit, LVMH, rose by more than half over the past year thanks to strong demand for luxuries like Dom Perignon champagne, Cognac Hennessy, Tag Heuer watches and Louis Vuitton accessories, particularly in Asian markets like Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City. The group acquired 20% of Hermes last year; Arnault insists he is a friendly shareholder but Hermes sees it as hostile. In March the Bulgari family transferred its majority holding in its brand to LVMH in exchange for LVMH shares and board seats. LVMH fired Christian Dior designer John Galliano after he apparently made anti-semitic remarks. Renaissance man also owns yacht builder Royal Van Lent, a hotel in Courchevel; has stakes in French retailer Carrefour and French tour operator Go Voyages.
5. The Rothschild Family, Germany
Estimated Net Worth: $350 billion - $2 trillion
The Rothschild name has been associated with international banking since at least the late 1700s. Mayer Rothschild, the original patriarch, was a favored assistant and finance manager of the German royal family. He leveraged his position in court to develop a banking business for the German aristocracy. When his five sons reached adulthood, they were stationed in Frankfurt, London, Naples, Paris and Vienna to manage local banking affairs. From there, a multi-century financial empire flourished.
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