
Current Bull Market Shakes Up Ranks of America’s Most Valuable Companies
The ranks of the most valuable American companies have experienced an interesting shift during the current bull market. In 2009, at the start of the current market, just one tech company was among the top five. Today, there are four tech companies that dominate the rankings.
What’s interesting is that as the country headed into a rough economic period in 2009, the list was filled by traditional companies in sectors considered safer (oil, retail, communications), perhaps reflecting investors’ anxiety as the markets faced uncertainty and suffered big losses. While just one of those companies, Microsoft, was a tech firm, it is also the only one back amongst the top 5 rankings in 2018.
In comparison, the most valuable companies these days are those considered innovators, and perhaps even disruptors. They’ve worked to change the flow of commerce, communications and software in ways that have brought big shifts in how people spend time and money, as well as how they work.
Top 5 February 2009
Exxon Mobil $345.4 billion
Walmart $193.1 billion
Microsoft $143.6 billion
Procter & Gamble $141.2 billion
AT&T $140.1 billion
Top 5 August 2018
Apple $1 trillion
Amazon.com $909.7 billion
Alphabet $834.5 billion
Microsoft $819.8 billion
Berkshire Hathaway $513 billion
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