Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates maintained his spot atop the list of richest people. Bill Gates tops Forbes list of the 400 richest Americans for the 18th year in a row with a net worth calculated at $ 59 billion. He saw his wealth increase by $5 billion from last year.
Warren Buffett Investor with a fortune of $ 39 billion ranks second. Forbes says the Berkshire Hathaway Inc. chief executive's wealth shrank by $ 6 billion from a year ago.
Larry Ellison Oracle CEO rounds out the top three with a net worth of $33 billion, a $ 6 billion increase from last year.
George Soros reach the top 10 list for the first time at seventh. His estimated wealth is $ 22 billion. Three members of the Walton family, descendants of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, also are among the tip 10 wealthiest this year.
