Bill Gates: Tops rich list

DESPITE losing $18 billion (e14bn) last year, four times the GDP of Niger or three times that of Haiti, Bill Gates has regained his place on the top of the world’s stinking rich list.

The billionaire, like the polar bear, may be facing extinction as investments shrink with polar-cap rapidity. In 2008, the world contained 1,125 billionaires. This year there are a mere 793 — a meltdown of almost 30%.

The 10 biggest losers lost a cool $238 billion in the past year, more than the total GDP of Ireland or Israel.

So, who is the biggest loser in the world? That accolade goes to India’s Anil Ambani, who lost $31.9bn, or 76% of his fortune, as shares in his companies collapsed. And last year this man was the biggest gainer in the filthy rich stakes.

Of those who did make the 2009 Forbes list, 87% have lost money this year.

Last year’s number one, Warren Buffett has slipped into second place, having seen his fortune decline by $25 billion.

Nine of the top 20 on the list made their money in discount retailing and $14bn was needed to make this year’s Top 20, $7bn less than last year.

Michael Bloomberg was the only man in the top 20 to make a gain in 2008.

As fortunes fell in Asia and Russia, Americans once again dominate the super rich, occupying 10 of the Top 20 spots, up from only four last year.

Europe boasts 196 in this elite club, worth $665bn. This is 102 less than last year and all but 20 are poorer.