Forbes releases the 08 global rich list

Forbes magazine released the latest 2008 list of the world's billionaires today. Buffett, due to a large increase in the value of his stock holdings, saw his personal fortune soar by $10 billion to $62 billion, making him the richest person in the world. Mexican telecom tycoon Slim came in second with $60 billion, while Microsoft Chairman Gates, who had been the richest person for 13 consecutive years, dropped to third place.

For a long time, the number 13 has been considered an unlucky number by superstitious people all over the world. This is quite fitting for Bill Gates, who after being at the top of the world's billionaire rankings for 13 consecutive years, has now lost his title as the richest person in the world this year.

Although Gates' current wealth is valued at $58 billion, which is $2 billion more than last year, he now ranks only third on the list of the world's wealthiest individuals. His friend and philanthropic partner, Warren Buffett, saw his net worth soar by $10 billion to $62 billion, propelling him to the top spot as the world's richest person. In second place is Carlos Slim Helú, the Mexican telecommunications giant, whose wealth doubled in just two years to reach $60 billion.