Gates again in 'treasure gates'

Thanks to a recent stock surge, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is once again the world`s richest man, a title he hasn`t held since 2007, according to Bloomberg.

Gates` fortune is now worth $72.1 billion, according to Bloomberg, putting him about $550 million ahead of the former No. 1, Mexico`s Carlos Slim. Gates` wealth has jumped 10% this year as Microsoft`s shares have risen.

On Thursday, the company`s stock price hit a five-year high. Slim`s wealth has fallen $2 billion this year as Mexico`s Congress passed a monopoly-busting telecom bill that threatens his company America Movil SAB`s commanding position in the market.

Since 2007, Gates and his wife Melinda have given more than $28 billion to charity. The couple plans to eventually give away 95% of their fortune.

The surge in Microsoft stock comes despite reportedly poor sales for Windows 8, the company`s latest operating system. In a recent interview, Gates said he expects the OS to build momentum over time and that iPad owners are frustrated by the lack of a keyboard and Microsoft Office functionality.


/AzerTAc/