While we all know that the internet has made a real impact upon our every day lives, who would have thought that the traditional business markets and practices of yesteryear would have been so affected.  This transformation is reflected in the rise and rise of Google, which seems to be going from strength to strength.

Originally listed on the US stock market in 2004 at $84 a share, yesterday saw the price of Google shares break the $700 barrier for the first time, with many analysts expecting further gains – even against a falling stock market.  While the majority of Google’s income comes from advertising, their main business is in the search engine sector (a sector which they have dominated for some time).  The company is now valued in excess of $200 billion, making it the 5th largest corporation in the US!

One of the markets which has been hit by the onset of the internet is the financial industry.  As much as some people may dislike the power which online access holds, it is very unlikely that you will be able to succeed in the financial industry without some form of online presence.  The growth in comparison websites has also been very marked, with many people now more keen to see if they can shave a few pounds off their mortgage, or agree better loan terms elsewhere.  When you also consider the change in laws regarding termination payments, the consumer really has more control than ever before.

While the industry has never been more transparent, you still need to read the fine print, making sure that you understand what is on offer, how much it will cost you, and if it is really for you.  It is not difficult to check, and access to additional data / terms and conditions has never been better – online and on the ball, you need to go into every transaction with your eyes open!