Three World's Richest People

Carlos Slim Helu
$ 53.5 billion
Telecom, Mexico.

Mexican telecom tycoon who pounce on the privatization of national telephone company in the 1990s became the world's richest person for the first time after coming in third place last year. Net worth rose $ 18.5 billion a year. Recently agreed to merge with fixed-line assets to America Movil, Latin America's biggest mobile phone company. More on Carlos Slim Helu & family

Bill Gates
$ 53 billion
Microsoft, U.S.

Visionary Software is now the world's second richest. Net worth was up $ 13 billion in one year as Microsoft shares rose 50% in 12 months, an investment vehicle Cascade swell. More than 60% of assets held outside of Microsoft; investment including the Four Seasons hotel, Televisa, Auto Nation. Stepped down from day-to-day duties at Microsoft in 2008 to focus on philanthropy. More on William Gates III

Warren Buffett
$ 47 milyar
Investment, U.S.

America's favorite investors up to $ 10 billion in the last 12 months in Berkshire Hathaway stock surges; said the U.S. economy has survived "Pearl Harbor," but cautioned that recovery will be slow. Ingenious invested $ 5 billion in Goldman Sachs and $ 3 billion in General Electric in the middle market crash of 2008. The train has recently acquired a giant Burlington Northern Santa Fe for $ 26 billion.