Friday, 4 December 2009

Now on Google Finance: streaming news

Ever since we launched real-time and streaming quotes on Google Finance last year, we've heard from users how vital that up-to-date information has been. Especially in today's volatile financial environment, current information can be the difference between a seizing an opportunity and missing it. Today, we've taken a big step towards improving access to current financial information: streaming financial and market news on Google Finance.

Streaming keeps information fresh

Streaming real-time quotes eliminates the 15- and 20-minute delays often associated with pricing data. Streaming the quotes keeps information on the page up to date, without having to reload.

Now, by streaming news as well, you'll see stories appear on Google Finance as they develop minute by minute, throughout the day. You can view news on the Google Finance homepage, or the dedicated news page. Updated news items will appear automatically in the News section. News will be streamed from 8am-5:30pm ET, 90 minutes before and after U.S. trading hours.

Up-to-date information across the site

As we deliver more information, we've worked to improve the way we display it. In the last few months, we've released a few other improvements to Google Finance designed to make financial information easier to access and more usable:
  • As you navigate throughout Google Finance, your recent quotes are streamed live in the left-navigation bar, so you don't need to keep checking the same tickers.
  • On company pages, all stock prices, index and sector comparisons as well as the interactive chart are streamed during market hours.
  • The new interactive Related companies page lets customize a table that compares companies along the dimensions you specify.
Financial information doesn't exist in a vacuum. News can stimulate trades, and trades of one stock can have broad market effects. Figuring how to organize all of that information and make it useful is crucial — and that's what we're working on.

There is still a long way to go, so stay tuned for more updates.