Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos, already the world's wealthiest man, has set a new record for personal net worth by topping $211 billion.
Bezos, 57, gained $8.4 billion in net worth on Tuesday alone, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, as Amazon stock soared 4.7 percent on the Pentagon's announcement that it is canceling the $10 billion JEDI contract with Microsoft.
It vaulted Bezos above the previous record of $210 billion, held briefly in January by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has seen his fortunes decline and now holds a mere $181 billion, putting him in distance second after Bezos.
While Tesla stock has declined nearly 10 percent so far this year, Amazon shares have continued to soar, adding 15.4 percent since January 1.
Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos, already the world's wealthiest man, has set a new record for personal net worth by topping $211 billion
Amazon stock soared 4.7 percent Friday on the Pentagon's announcement that it is canceling the $10 billion JEDI contract with Microsoft
Amazon's soaring shares have boosted the fortunes of Bezos, who on Monday stepped down as chief executive of Amazon, handing over the reins to his experienced lieutenant Andy Jassy.
Bezos now takes over the role of executive chairman at Amazon. He still owns about 51 million shares of Amazon stock, a position that makes up the vast majority of his wealth.
Amazon stock rose sharply on Tuesday after the Pentagon canceled a contract with Microsoft that was
