The Internet is becoming a great leveler, able to bring readily accessible information, once confined to privileged specialists, to the rest of us. The site contains more than 30 Java technology worksheets that help users calculate everything from retirement savings to how much they can afford to pay for a house. Within each sector, colored blocks represent leading companies that change from bright green to bright red as their stock price goes up or down.
Black colors represent neutral.
Over 500 stocks are covered, with data updated every 15 minutes. The viewer simply moves the cursor over the blocks to get the company name and latest stock quote, with the option of clicking and drilling down for further company information. The larger the company's market capitalization, the larger the block. With some practice, viewers can learn to take a quick, aesthetically pleasing glance at the map and gain an intuitive grasp of what is happening in the market at any given time. The site is continually updated each business day with original stories and information produced by a staff of roughly 100 reporters, editors and programmers.