New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) NextGen tech company 63 moons Technologies Limited said on Wednesday that it has forayed into the cybersecurity segment to target the comprehensive mobile security and digital infrastructure market pan-India.

The company said its cybersecurity verticals are formed in alliance with the world’s 10 best cybersecurity firms, from Israel to the USA, which would provide customised protection solutions to counter cyberattacks in the ever-growing digital infrastructure market.

The company said it has partnered with global leading cybersecurity firms, including Blackberry, Resecurity, and Morphisec, to create the best-in-class and comprehensive cybersecurity suite.

“Given the unprecedented scale and viciousness of cyberattacks, cybersecurity is paramount for all individuals, institutions, corporate entities, and countries. We are continuing our legacy of innovation and disruption by entering the cybersecurity arena,” said 63 moons Mentor and Coach, Jignesh Shah, while addressing the media here.

In line with the Narendra Modi government’s commitment to provide national security to the country’s digital assets, Shah said 63 moons introduced pathbreaking products and services, enabled through its three verticals – CYBX for every mobile phone, 63 SATS for every enterprise server, and CYBERDOM for every city, every state, and the country.

They are powered by a Centralised Security Operations Nerve Centre and supported by a decentralised franchise network, he added.

“The rollout of CYBX, 63 SATS and CYBERDOME is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguard every internet-connected device across India,” said Neehar Pathare, Tech CEO, 63 SATS.

He said CYBX helps every mobile phone user make secure calls with its intuitive Dialer App with a verified number database. It checks WiFi status and associated risks, protects from malicious and unverified inbound messages, identifies potential threats and verifies the safety of each URL link.

It also tracks application network and resource utilization for performance monitoring and provides a dashboard showing the health of all apps.

63 SATS provides customised enterprise solutions for protecting digital infrastructure and state-of-the-art malware protection, anti-Pegasus mobile threat defence, and data air-gapping using galvanic separation.

Pathare said 63 moons is offering a well-knit, pan-India franchise network to capitalise on the digital economy wave that is set to become bigger than the physical economy.

According to an industry estimate, the value of the Indian cybersecurity market is likely to hit Rs 1 lakh crore by 2029, amidst the estimated value of the global cybersecurity market expected to reach Rs 42 lakh crore by 2030.

–IANS

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Amid ongoing global economic and geopolitical challenges, 86% of Corporate Real Estate (CRE) leaders globally are focused on reducing operating costs. They will spend strategically in 2024, balancing competing and overlapping priorities, but where will they focus that spend?

Forward thinking firms will seize the opportunity to rethink their property portfolios and adapt to new workforce demands, ESG priorities and technology innovation.

AI, and technology more broadly, is the thread that binds our 2024 trends. Firms will look to invest in areas that support their wider people, place and portfolio objectives.

In this article, we explore five themes impacting CRE in 2024. By no means an exhaustive list, the impact of these themes will differ between companies, markets, regions and industries.

The world’s biggest companies by market capitalization range across different market sectors, including technology, communication services, energy, consumer cyclicals, and financial services. Most companies in the top-10 list generate hundreds of billions of dollars in annual revenue. However, there are a few that generate less than $100 billion in annual revenue, suggesting that investors are optimistic about the potential growth of these companies compared with others on the list.

Companies are ranked as per TradingView’s list of largest companies by market cap. All figures, which are also taken from TradingView, are current as of Jan. 20, 2024.

1. Microsoft (MSFT)

• Market Cap: $2.96 trillion
• Revenue (TTM): $218.31 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $77.1 billion
• 1-year Trailing Total Return: 64.6%
• Exchange: Nasdaq
• Year Founded: 1975

Microsoft (MSFT) is a global developer and licenser of software, devices, solutions, and services. The company is well known for its Windows and Office Suite software as well as its Xbox gaming hardware. The company is gaining more of its profits and revenue from cloud computing services, for which it is a market leader. Microsoft has also made a big play in AI, integrating it into its search and Office products.

Microsoft’s main cloud platform is Azure. Microsoft also owns and operates LinkedIn, the popular social networking site for professionals and job seekers.

2. Apple (AAPL)

• Market Cap: $2.96 trillion
• Revenue (TTM): $383.29 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $97 billion
• 1-year Trailing Total Return: 39.1%
• Exchange: Nasdaq
• Year Founded: 1976

Apple (AAPL) designs, manufactures, and markets a broad range of consumer technology products, including smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearable devices, home entertainment devices, and more. Some of its most popular products include its iPhone smartphones and Mac computers.

Apple also has dramatically expanded its sales from services. It operates digital content stores, provides cloud and payment services, and recently launched AppleTV+, a streaming service for on-demand entertainment content.

3. Saudi Aramco (2222.SR)

• Market Cap: $2.06 trillion 
• Revenue (TTM): $501.65 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $126.52 billion
• 1-year Trailing Total Return: 9.8%
• Exchange: Tadawul (Saudi Stock Exchange)
• Year Founded: 1933

Saudi Arabian Oil, better known as Saudi Aramco, is a Saudi Arabia-based integrated oil and gas company. The company was founded as Standard Oil’s overseas operations and is now owned by the Saudi government.

Aramco operates both upstream and downstream segments:

• Its upstream segment engages in the exploration and production of crude oil, condensate, natural gas, and natural gas liquids.
• The downstream segment is engaged in refining and petrochemical manufacturing, distribution, and power generation.

Saudi Aramco also has a chemicals business that makes complex products such as synthetic rubber.

4. Alphabet (GOOGL/GOOG)

• Market Cap: $1.84 trillion
• Revenue (TTM): $296.38 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $66.73 billion
• 1-year Trailing Total Return: 57.4%
• Exchange: Nasdaq
• Year Founded: 1998

Alphabet (GOOGL/GOOG) is the parent of Google, the dominant search engine in the global market. The company offers a range of technologies and digital services, including search, the Android smartphone operating system, the Chrome browser, the Gmail email services, the Google Drive online file storage platform, Google Maps, Google Photos, the Google Play app store, and YouTube.

The company also provides cloud services through Google Cloud and a variety of workspace collaboration tools. In addition, the company earns revenue through a growing array of hardware products such as the Pixel phones, Fitbit, and the Google Nest home collection. Alphabet also operates its Other Bets segment which includes emerging businesses such as the self-driving car business Waymo.

Like Microsoft, Alphabet, and just about any tech company on this list, Alphabet is making a play in AI, releasing apps through its Gemini deep learning model.

5. Amazon (AMZN)

• Market Cap: $1.61 trillion
• Revenue (TTM): $554.03 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $20.08 billion
• 1-year Trailing Total Return: 62.6%
• Exchange: Nasdaq
• Year Founded: 1994

Amazon (AMZN) is an ecommerce retailer that sells a broad range of products and services globally and is the world’s biggest provider of cloud computing services. Its ecommerce business includes merchandise and content that it purchases for resale from vendors and those offered by third-party sellers.

Amazon Web Services, launched in 2006, generates the majority of the company ‘s operating profits, providing cloud services to businesses, government agencies, and academic institutions.

Amazon offers various subscription services and web services as well, including its cloud computing service and fast-growing streaming entertainment business. The company also manufactures and sells electronic devices, such as Kindle e-readers, Fire tablets, Fire TV, and Echo and Alexa. Amazon sells groceries through its subsidiary, Whole Foods.

6. Nvidia (NVDA)

• Market Cap: $1.47 trillion
• Revenue (TTM): $44.88 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $18.89 billion
• 1-year Trailing Total Return: 246.4%
• Exchange: Nasdaq
• Year Founded: 1993

Nvidia (NVDA) designs and develops graphics processors and related software. It was a pioneer in the development of the graphics processing unit (GPU), whose initial applications were most used for PC graphics and video games. The capabilities of the GPU are now being leveraged for use in AI and machine-learning applications.

The company offers products and platforms comprised of hardware, software, services, and more to serve the gaming, professional visualization, data center, and automotive markets. Nvidia GPUs have also featured prominently in cryptocurrency mining.

7. Meta Platforms (META)

• Market Cap: $985.41 billion
• Revenue (TTM): $126.96 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $29.73 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 172.3%
• Exchange: Nasdaq
• Year Founded: 2004

Meta Platforms (META) is the owner of Facebook, the world’s largest social media network. Meta provides products and digital platforms that enable individuals and businesses to connect with family and friends through mobile devices, personal computers, virtual reality headsets, and in-home devices.

In addition to Facebook, it also owns Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. The company also operates Facebook Reality Labs, which offers augmented and virtual reality (VR) products.

Meta is also investing in and building the metaverse, an expansive virtual world that combines aspects of social media, online gaming, augmented reality (AR), VR, and cryptocurrencies.

8. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A/BRK.B)

• Market Cap: $798.46 billion
• Revenue (TTM): $395.95 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $76.81 billion
• 1-year Trailing Total Return: 13.5%
• Exchange: New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
• Year Founded: 1839

Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A/BRK.B) began with the merger of two regional textile companies in the 19th century. Only much later was it purchased by legendary investor Warren Buffett and converted into a conglomerate holding company.

Berkshire Hathaway today owns a large number of subsidiaries engaged in insurance, freight rail transportation, retailing, and utility and energy generation and distribution. The company also operates manufacturing businesses that make products for industrial uses, construction, and for consumers.

9. Tesla (TSLA)

• Market Cap: $674.54 billion
• Revenue (TTM): $95.92 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $10.79 billion
• 1-year Trailing Total Return: 88.7%
• Exchange: Nasdaq
• Year Founded: 2003

Tesla (TSLA) is a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, which include the following models:

• Model 3, a four-door, mid-size sedan designed and priced for mass-market appeal
• Model Y, a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) that seats seven adults
• Model S, a four-door, full-size sedan
• Model X, a mid-size SUV with seating for up to seven adults

The company’s has been developing and manufacturing its Cybertruck and Tesla Semi, a commercial EV. Tesla also produces solar panels, provides solar energy generation, and supplies energy storage products.

10. Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)

• Market Cap: $596.71 billion
• Revenue (TTM): $32.07 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $4.99 billion
• 1-year Trailing Total Return: 76.5%
• Exchange: NYSE
• Year Founded: 1987

Eli Lilly and Company (LIL) is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. Usually called just Lilly, the company is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. It researches, develops, manufactures, and markets human pharmaceuticals for the global market.

Lilly’s product lines focus on diabetes, oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. It also caters to health markets, including treatments for COVID-19, male sexual dysfunction, and osteoporosis in menopausal women.

The Bottom Line

The biggest companies in the world today are worth several trillion dollars. This makes these companies larger and more valuable than some countries’ entire economies. Today, tech and energy companies dominate the biggest corporations in the world. In the past, trading companies, railroads, and steelworks dominated. Time will tell if these high flyers can stay in the top positions and which industries emerge to challenge these coveted positions.

The political and business elites of the world gathered at Davos, Switzerland, this week for the annual World Economic Forum meet.

In all, about 60 heads of state and 800 CEOs were in attendance among a total of 2,800 participants, as they discussed wide-ranging issues — from climate change to economic slowdowns — at both formal and informal gatherings.

Here are some of the top quotes from the event pertaining to artificial intelligence and what lies in store for us:

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

“There seems to be a broad consensus that is emerging [around AI]. The world is coming together and saying we need new technology, we need some guardrails and we need norms of how we deploy this technology. That combination of private innovation with a safety-first approach to engineering and regulation to ensure that the broad societal benefits are amplified and the unintended consequences are dampened, would be the way forward,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman

“It’s a good sign that even at AI’s current, extremely limited capability levels, lots of people have found ways to get value out of it and also understand the limitations…There’s a harder question than the technical one, which is who gets to decide what the values (governing AI) are. That’s a big societal question,” said Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI.

Ruth Porat, CFO, Alphabet

“AI has the potential to be the great equaliser. We have opportunities ahead of us to address pain points (in healthcare and climate) and to address the sustainable development goals,” said Ruth Porat, CFO, Alphabet.

Arvind Krishna, CEO, IBM

“India will be at the forefront of AI deployment. Given the scale of India’s data sets, it will be remarkably useful. We are a firm believer that India will be a massive beneficiary of AI. The workforce that is going to deploy AI will come from India,” said Arvind Krishna, CEO, IBM.

Neal Mohan, CEO, YouTube

“A third of humanity is going to go to the polls in one way or the other this year. The advent of this [generative AI] technology will lead to amazing things but will also be a tool that will be in the hands of bad actors,” said Neal Mohan, CEO, YouTube.

Marc Benioff, CEO, Salesforce

“All the training data has been stolen. Let the content creators get paid fairly for their work. That bridge has not yet been crossed and that’s a mistake by the AI companies,” said Marc Benioff, CEO, Salesforce, and owner of Time magazine.

Julie Sweet, CEO, Accenture

“AI will create a lot of new jobs but you won’t be able to take the current people and put them in these jobs unless governments and companies partner together on reskilling,” said Julie Sweet, CEO, Accenture.

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In the ever-evolving landscape of the global economy, the top companies by market cap have become a subject of interest for investors, market enthusiasts, and even casual observers. In this article, you will find a complete summary of the top 10 companies by market capitalisation in 2024, offering a glimpse into their sectors.

Top 10 Companies by Market Cap in 2024

Which one is the biggest company in the world by market cap? It’s Apple, of course—the enterprise has taken the tech world by storm for decades. Here’s a list of the top 10 companies by market cap in 2024 (as of January 18, 2024):

Also Read: Top 10 companies in India by market valuation in 2024

Company	Sector	Market Cap (in USD)
#1 Apple	Technology	$2.894 trillion
#2 Microsoft	Technology	$2.824 trillion
#3 Saudi Aramco	Oil & Gas	$2.062 trillion
#4 Alphabet (Google)	Technology	$1.778  trillion
#5 Amazon	E-commerce	$1.567 trillion
#6 Nvidia	Technology	$1.384 trillion
#7 Meta Platforms	Social Media	$946.65 billion
#8 Berkshire Hathaway	Diversified Investments	$781.83 billion
#9 Tesla	Automotive	$685.21  billion
#10 Eli Lilly	Pharmaceuticals	$597.02  billion

Here, we take a more detailed look at the top 10 companies by market cap we reviewed in the table above.
Also Read: The top 10 richest people in the world in 2024

Apple

• Current CEO: Tim Cook
• Year of Foundation: 1976
• Country: USA

Apple Inc. is the biggest company in the world by market cap. The company is renowned for its groundbreaking products, such as the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and they consistently push the boundaries of technology innovation. The company’s commitment to innovation and high-quality design has made it a consumer favourite and a titan among the top companies by market cap.

Microsoft

• Current CEO: Satya Nadella
• Year of Foundation: 1975
• Country: USA

Microsoft Corporation offers many products and services, including its flagship Windows operating system and Office software suite. Microsoft’s influence extends beyond software, with ventures into cloud computing and hardware, solidifying its place among the largest companies by revenue.Also Read: The top 10 largest economies in the world in 2024

Saudi Aramco

• Current CEO: Amin H. Nasser
• Year of Foundation: 1933
• Country: Saudi Arabia

Saudi Aramco operates in the oil and gas sector. With the third biggest market cap across the globe at the moment, it is the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s economy. Saudi Aramco’s vast oil reserves and strategic location in the Middle East contribute to its position among the global market leaders.

Alphabet (Google)

• Current CEO: Sundar Pichai
• Year of Foundation: 2015
• Country: USA

Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., has a diverse portfolio that includes search engines, online advertising technologies, cloud computing, software, and hardware. Google’s ubiquitous presence in the digital world contributes to Alphabet’s position among the top companies by market cap.Also Read: The 10 most followed Instagram accounts in the world in 2024

Amazon

• Current CEO: Andy Jassy
• Year of Foundation: 1994
• Country: USA

Amazon.com Inc. is the world’s largest e-commerce company. It has diversified into cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. Amazon’s extensive product offerings and its dominance in online retail make it a key player among the top companies by market cap.

Nvidia

• Current CEO: Jensen Huang
• Year of Foundation: 1993
• Country: USA

Nvidia has gained widespread popularity recently as its profits buoyed above most industry contemporaries. The company has always been a leader in making stand-alone GPUs; its GPUs or graphics processing units are integral for generative AI platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard. Also Read: The 10 largest banks in the world in 2024

Meta Platforms (Facebook)

• Current CEO: Mark Zuckerberg
• Year of Foundation: 2004
• Country: USA

Facebook Inc., renamed Meta Platforms, is a social media giant. It owns multiple platforms, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and the Oculus Metaverse. Meta aims to push the concept of the metaverse into the mainstream, promoting a virtual 3D place that’d offer lifelike experiences. Thus, Meta’s Oculus division brings a seamless virtual experience where users can participate in real-world activities.  

Berkshire Hathaway

• Current CEO: Warren Buffett
• Year of Foundation: 1839
• Country: USA

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a diversified investment company. It owns many businesses and is led by Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most successful investors. Berkshire Hathaway’s diverse portfolio and strong leadership contribute to its high market cap.\

Tesla

• Current CEO: Elon Musk
• Year of Foundation: 2003
• Country: USA

Tesla Inc., an automotive and energy company, is known for its electric vehicles and clean energy products. Tesla’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and innovative approach to automotive design has made it a leader in its sector.

Eli Lilly

• Current CEO: David A. Ricks
• Year of Foundation: 1876
• Country: USA

Eli Lilly and Company is an American pharmaceutical company founded in 1876 by Colonel Eli Lilly. It is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, and has offices in 18 countries. Its products are sold in approximately 125 countries.

TSMC

• Current CEO: C. C. Wei
• Year of Foundation: 1987
• Country: Taiwan

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a leader in the semiconductor industry. It is the world’s largest dedicated independent (pure-play) semiconductor foundry. TSMC’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and role in supplying key components for a wide range of electronic devices make it a key player among the top companies by market cap.

HSBC Holdings plc

• Current CEO: Noel Quinn
• Year of Foundation: 1865
• Country: England

HSBC Holdings is a multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in London, UK. It is one of the largest banking and financial services companies in the world, with operations in over 80 countries and territories.

FAQs

Q.1. What is the market cap of $1 billion?A market cap of $1 billion indicates that the total value of all a company’s shares of stock is worth $1 billion.Q.2 What factors contribute to a company’s market cap? A company’s market cap is determined by the total value of its outstanding shares of stock. This value is influenced by the company’s current stock price, which can be affected by various factors, including the company’s earnings, the economy, and investor sentiment.Q.3 How often does the list of top companies by market cap change? The list of top companies by market cap can change as frequently changing stock prices influence it. These changes can occur daily, and the list can look quite different from year to year.

Apple has overtaken Samsung as the world’s top smartphone seller, ending the Korean tech firm’s 12-year run as industry leader.

The iPhone took the top spot in 2023 with 234.6m units sold, according to figures from the International Data Corporation (IDC), overtaking Samsung’s 226.6m units.

IDC said the crowning of Apple, which released the iPhone 15 in September, was due to trends including the increasing popularity of high-end devices, which now account for more than 20% of the market.

“The last time a company not named Samsung was at the top of the smartphone market was 2010, and for 2023 it is now Apple,” IDC said. “A sort of shifting of power at the top of the largest consumer electronics market was driven by an all-time high market share for Apple and a first time at the top.”

The $2.8tn (£2.2tn) US tech company commanded a 20.1% market share ahead of Samsung’s 19.4%, the IDC said. Apple is well established as the largest smartphone maker in terms of revenues and profits but this is the first time it has led the market in terms of volume.

The sales data came before the latest release of Samsung models on Wednesday, with the South Korean conglomerate expected to release the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus and S24 Ultra with artificial intelligence-backed features.

Ben Wood, the chief analyst at the research firm CCS Insight, said the IDC data was a “psychological” blow to Samsung but he expected the contest to remain tight this year.

“I think it will remain a close-fought battle throughout 2024, but there is little doubt that Apple is on a strong trajectory and the loyalty consumers have towards Apple devices means once they get one they seldom switch to something else,” he said.

Wood said the data gave extra weight to the importance of Samsung’s Wednesday product launch.

“This means Samsung needs to do everything it can to hold on to existing users as well as securing new customers for its devices.”

IDC also pointed to an increasingly fragmented market for smartphones that run on the Android operating system, citing low-end Samsung rivals such as Transsion and Xiaomi as well as Honor and Google.

The success of Huawei’s well-received products in China also had an effect on Samsung’s drop in sales, the IDC said. The data provider added that Huawei remained a competitive threat to Apple in China, the US company’s largest market.

According to IDC, global smartphone shipments declined 3.2% to 1.17bn units in 2023, though the group said the industry was recovering after a sluggish period.

“Growth in the second half of the year has cemented the expected recovery for 2024,” the IDC added.

Last week, Apple was overtaken by Microsoft as the world’s most valuable company, at $2.9tn.

Global Finance ranks the world’s countries by their technological advancement and capacity to develop and leverage cutting-edge technology. 

Global Finance ranks the world’s countries by their technological advancement and capacity to develop and leverage cutting-edge technology. 

The ever-growing battle for technological advantage and supremacy continues. In a year full of advances in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, green technology, Global Finance has a new set of scores and rankings for national technological strength based on a unique fusion of evaluative metrics.

Most Technologically Advanced Country In The World: South Korea

South Korea remains a world leader in technological advancement, again taking the top slot. Its consumer electronics giants invest heavily in research and development, while its citizens combine advanced technological skills with an innovative culture. East Asia is well-represented in the top 20, with Japan, Taiwan and Singapore.

Europe And Asia At The Forefront Of Technology

Developed Asian and European nations continue to dominate the top of the rankings. Apart from the United States (2), all the top 17 countries are among the wealthiest countries in one of those two regions. Taiwan jumped up a few spots to #3, due to increasing investment into research and development. Germany—known for its engineering prowess since before World War II—is now actively using that expertise in the field of green energy. Many of the world’s leaders in technological innovation are small political jurisdictions that are less able to rely on rich supplies of natural resources for economic power, such as the Nordic nations, Belgium, Switzerland and Japan.

Israel (6), with its robust startup ecosystem, also gained significantly. The relatively small nation continues to put immense investment into research and development. Israeli companies are advancing rapidly in life sciences, military technology and other sectors, and the country has become a global leader—the world’s sixth largest hub—for raising tech capital.  The UAE was a second Middle East standout, coming in at #18.

Japan (16), on the other hand, fell back significantly in the rankings because the percentage of its population that uses the internet is falling. Japan sports a notable reliance on analog in the public sector, and also declined in its Digital Competitiveness due to a lack of business technological agility and declining international experience in technology.

Diminished Expectations for Technological Innovation: China And India

The world’s most populous developing countries, both expected to see strong growth in technological progress, struggled in this year’s ranking, despite government support, deep scientific knowledge and significant technological expertise in various sectors.

China (41) and India (65) fell back in the rankings, despite prevailing wisdom that both would advance rapidly. China’s internet population, at around 73%, still falls very far below its economic peers such as Russia, Mexico, and Argentina or the group of most technologically advanced countries. While China invests significantly into research & development for critical technologies, it lacks the ability to utilize its population for greater technological advancement. The Chinese government has also cracked down on the private technology sector, limiting and even reducing its reach and size.

India, for its part, has invested very little of its country’s GDP into research and development. While the establishment of the National Research Foundation is designed to help increase investment and support for technological and scientific education and advancement, it may not play the pivotal role that India desires. To round it off, Brazil (55), Indonesia (59), and Russia (44) all continue to rank poorly and have made few if any gains in technological strength. Russia scores above average only in its percentage of population that uses the internet. The war with Ukraine has spurred an exodus of technological expertise, creating potential for a “brain drain” of technological and scientific professionals for years to come.

How We Rank National Technological Advancement

First, we incorporate two metrics that represent the technological breadth and adoption for a country: internet users as a percentage of a country’s population, and LTE (4G) users as a percentage of the population. This combination illustrates the availability of internet use for the wider population and counters the over-reliance on measuring the strength of only high-tech industries and institutions. The third metric is a Digital Competitiveness Score, created and compiled by the IMD World Competitiveness Center. This conglomeration is based on multiple factors including technological knowledge, current technological strength, and readiness/capability to create and advance new innovations. Essentially, it measures a country’s current technological environment and its prospects for future success.

The final metric is the portion of GDP spent on research and development (R&D), which represents both the government’s investment into the future technological development as well as the desire to compete for future advancement. All of these metrics combine to rank countries by both their vanguard of technological capabilities but also their populations’ mastery of said technologies.

The scores provide some insights into where countries differentiate themselves from those below them. As opposed to one year ago, the differences are now more pronounced in the Digital Competitiveness Score and the Research & Development investment. These factors have seen increasing breadth between the top countries and the bottom countries. Meanwhile, the differences between the top countries and bottom countries have decreased in both LTE penetration and Internet users as a percent of the population. This makes sense as once a country expands its internet and LTE base to nearly 100%, it is impossible to keep going up. Meanwhile, developing countries can gain ground by expanding their internet access.

World’s Most Technologically Advanced Countries And Territories

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has said the surge in AI-driven misinformation and disinformation is the primary short-term threat to the global economy, particularly in its potential impact on crucial upcoming elections, the media has reported. In a notably gloomy evaluation, the organisation hosting its annual meeting in Davos next week, voiced apprehension about the potential disruption of politics due to the proliferation of false information. This could result in scenarios such as riots, strikes, and government-led crackdowns on dissent, says a report by The Guardian.

It should be noted that elections are taking place this year in countries that represent 60 per cent of global GDP, including India, Britain, the US and the EU and the WEF said the nexus between falsified information and societal unrest will take centre stage at the time of campaigns. According to the WEF’s yearly risks report, the report added, based on the insights of 1,400 experts, 30 per cent of respondents perceive a high risk of a global catastrophe in the next two years. Additionally, two-thirds express concerns about a disastrous event occurring within the coming decade.

“An unstable global order characterised by polarising narratives and insecurity, the worsening impacts of extreme weather and economic uncertainty are causing accelerating risks – including misinformation and disinformation – to propagate,” Saadia Zahidi, a managing director of the WEF, was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

The report, created in collaboration with Zurich Insurance and professional services firm Marsh McLennan, assesses risks over both a two-year and a 10-year timeframe.

The World Economic Forum highlighted that apprehensions about the enduring cost of living crisis, coupled with the interconnected risks of disinformation and polarized societies, were the predominant factors shaping the outlook for 2024.

Misinformation refers to information that is false or inaccurate, whereas disinformation involves intentionally false content created to propagate propaganda and instill fear and suspicion.

Using a Morningstar screen, we created a list of the 42 technology mutual funds. Next, we selected only funds with Morningstar neutral to gold ratings and three to five star fund ratings.

There were a multitude of share classes with many levying 12b-1 fees and front end loads or commissions. We considered only no load funds.

That reduced our list to 28 technology mutual funds. Included on the list were broad tech funds and a few funds focused on narrow industry segments such as semiconductors or information systems.

We considered funds holding U.S. stocks as well as those with companies based outside the U.S., and we looked for funds that outperformed their Morningstar category.

Since there weren’t enough funds that met all of our criteria and that are also accessible directly by individual investors, we also included funds available through advisors and certain brokerages or company sponsored retirement plans as well.

You can typically still access a fund on your own by investing via, say, A-class shares, which may cost more and whose returns are fractionally lower than Advisor-class shares.

Our final list of 10 mutual funds includes those that charge fees that are around average or are below average. They also boast category-beating performance. The majority can be bought by individuals, and many of the Fidelity funds can be purchased at Fidelity.com without transaction fees.

The editor owned shares of the Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio when this article was published. He held no positions in the other securities discussed in the post at the original time of publication.