Warren Buffett Surpassed Amancio Ortega in Net Worth
Warren Buffett has overtaken Amancio Ortega to become the 10th wealthiest person in the world.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Investing
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Warren Buffett reached the 10th spot on the global wealth rankings after his estimated net worth climbed to $142 billion. Meanwhile, Amancio Ortega slipped to 11th place as his fortune fell to $140.1 billion.
Why it matters
The shift in rankings highlights the volatility of billionaire wealth tied to market fluctuations. Buffett continues to see fortune gains while Ortega experienced a dip due to recent performance in Inditex stock.
Buffett holds a $142 billion fortune compared to Ortega's $140.1 billion following a 1.6 percent drop in Inditex shares. Berkshire Hathaway also recently acquired 660,410 shares of Lennar at an average price of $81.59 per share.
The players
Warren Buffett
He is the former CEO and chairman of the conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway.
Amancio Ortega
He is the majority shareholder of the global retail apparel giant Inditex.
The details
Berkshire Hathaway shares edged upward to boost Buffett's total wealth, while Ortega saw his net worth decline alongside a 1.6 percent drop in Inditex stock. Despite stepping down from his executive roles at Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett remains a significant figure in global finance.
Timeline
December 2025: Warren Buffett stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.
September 2026: Warren Buffett vacated his role as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway.
October 1, 2026: Warren Buffett officially became the world's 10th richest person.
Market Dynamics
This shift in billionaire rankings reflects the ongoing evolution of wealth concentration during the post-leadership transition era of Berkshire Hathaway. It follows a pattern set by the 2026 transition of Berkshire Hathaway leadership as Buffett continues to manage his remaining assets.
Retail investors may note the ongoing strategy shift at Berkshire Hathaway as it continues to acquire stakes in major companies like Lennar. These changes in top-tier wealth rankings often mirror broader shifts in sector-specific stock market performance that can affect personal portfolios.
The takeaway
The movement in global wealth rankings serves as a reminder that even the largest fortunes are highly sensitive to daily market fluctuations. Diversified holdings remain a central factor in maintaining wealth positions for long-term investors.
Further reading
For more on the performance of major market figures, visit the Investing section.
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