Bill Gates

The net worth of the world’s richest person, Bill Gates, hit $90 billion on Friday, fueled by gains in public holdings including Canadian National Railway Company and Ecolab Inc.

    Strong performances from Canadian National Railway Co. and Ecolab Inc. moved Gates $13.5 billion ahead of the second richest man in the world, Spanish retail magnate Amancia Ortega.

    Gates was Microsoft's largest single stockholder until 2014, when he stepped down as company chairman. His net worth surpassed $60 billion in 2012 and reached $80 billion two years later. Earlier this year It was down to $76 billion.

    Gates' wealth makes up 0.5% of the US gross domestic product, or the value of all goods and services provided over a single year.