Carlos Slim Helú the world's 2nd-richest man

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Mexican telecom owner Carlos Slim Helú has become the world's second-richest man behind Bill Gates, according to a news report Thursday.

As of the market's close late Wednesday, Slim is worth $53.1 billion, compared to Buffett's fortune of $52.4 billion, according to Forbes.

Mexican telecom owner Carlos Slim Helú

Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (Charts), had been the world's second-richest man for the past seven years.

Gates, Microsoft's (Charts) co-founder and the world's richest man with $56.0 billion, has held the title for a record 13 years, according to Forbes.com.

Slim's fortune has increased by $4 billion in the past two months, as shares of one of his main investments, Carso Global Telecom, have jumped 15 percent over the period, said the report.

His principal investment, wireless operator América Móvil, has also risen lately, up 4 percent.

Slim's net worth is equal to roughly 7 percent of Mexico's total annual economic output, according to Forbes.com.

He is 67 years old.

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