Forbes names Angela Merkel as world's most powerful woman for fourth consecutive year

Forbes has named German politician and former research scientist Angela Merkel as the world's most powerful woman for a fourth consecutive year, while Executive Chairwoman of Hancock Prospecting Gina Rinehart's influence slipped globally despite being Australia's richest person.

Merkel is followed by US Federal Reserve Chair, Janet Yellen, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with her billionaire philanthropist husband, Melinda Gates, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and IMF chief Christine Lagarde.

According to News.com.au, the former first lady, one-time Secretary of State and possible future US presidential contender Hillary Clinton has been listed at number six in Forbes' rankings.

President and publisher of ForbesWoman Moira Forbes said that as they mark the 10th anniversary of publishing the World's 100 Most Powerful Women list, these impressive women from around the world continue to make a dramatic, lasting impact on people's global footprint and in all aspects of their lives.

The annual list reportedly includes women in business, media, politics, technology, entertainment, philanthropy and nonprofits, billionaires, and finance, a new category for the first time.

Merkel has been named as the most powerful woman nine times now by Forbes, the report added.

The top 10 from Forbes' World's 100 Most Powerful Women list are:

1. Angela Merkel

2. Janet Yellen

3. Melinda Gates

4. Dilma Rousseff

5. Christine Lagarde

6. Hillary Clinton

7. Mary Barra

8. Michelle Obama

9. Sheryl Sandberg

10.