2011 was a record year for the world's billionaires

[joeunderdog]

This 25th year of tracking global wealth was one to remember. The 2011 Billionaires List breaks two records: total number of listees (1,210) and combined wealth ($4.5 trillion). This horde surpasses the gross domestic product of Germany, one of only six nations to have fewer billionaires this year. BRICs led the way: Brazil, Russia, India and China produced 108 of the 214 new names. These four nations are home to one in four members, up from one in ten five years ago. Before this year only the U.S. had ever produced more than 100 billionaires. China now has 115 and Russia 101.


Atop the heap is Mexico's Carlos Slim Helu, who added $20.5 billion to his fortune, more than any other billionaire. The telecom mogul, who gets 62 percent of his fortune from America Movil, is now worth $74 billion and has pulled far ahead of his two closest rivals. Bill Gates, No. 2, and Warren Buffett, No. 3, both added a more modest $3 billion to their piles and are now worth $56 billion and $50 billion, respectively. Gates, who now gets 70 percent of his fortune from investments outside of Microsoft, has actually been investing in the Mexican stock market and has holdings in Mexican Coke bottler Femsa and Grupo Televisa.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41989924/ns/business-forbescom/

snip

Why do we spend so much time counting other people's money? Because these moguls have the power to shape our world. Telecom billionaire turned prime minister Najib Mikati is keeping Lebanon's government together. Ernesto Bertarelli, who lost the America's Cup to Larry Ellison last year, is now focusing on saving the oceans from mass extinction. Gates and Buffett have already traveled to three continents working to change giving practices among the ultra-rich.

Where their inspiration leads, we will follow. :puke:

[fascisthunter]

1. And They have the Audacity to Blame Social Programs and Public Funding

a tea bagger scum.... you are the lowest form of a human being. You turned your back on your own Americans just so a few rich people can take it all. You stupid ignorant fuck ups!!!!

[RandomThoughts]

2. 0. Robert Eastwood.

Ok that is just a joke, for humor. (not what I really think, but funny :) )

I don't rank people by money, that would be really stupid, it just insults people by showing that gross distortion of the system and the exploits that create that.

I am due beer and travel money, so understand a balance in life of having some money, but not the ridiculous unbalanced consolidations shown in lists like that.


And there are many people in that same group that are not listed since they have much of the money wealth they took hidden in various places.