Data is the new oil: The most valuable companies by market capitalization in the world

In 2006, oil companies stood tall as the most valuable brands in the world and were trailed by a mere 1 or 2 tech companies. But over a decade later, it is data companies that have taken the top spot. Below is a list of the most valuable public companies as of 2006, followed by the best of the best of 2017:

1. Exxon Mobil | Market cap: USD 362.5 billion | Industry: Oil

2. General Electric | Market Cap: USD 348.5 billion | Industry: Oil

3. Microsoft | Market Cap: USD 279.0 billion | Industry: Technology

4. Citigroup | Market Cap: USD 230.0 billion | Industry: Banking

5. BP | Market Cap: USD 225.9 billion | Industry: Oil

6. Royal Dutch Shell | Market Cap: USD 203.5 billion | Industry: Oil

As time passed, tech companies continued to explore and innovate and went on to become the most valuable public companies. The world saw giants such as Apple, Alphabet and Microsoft expand to newer shores. Below are the most valuable companies by market capitalization as of 2017:

1. Apple | Market Cap: USD 752 billion | Industry: Technology | Interestingly, a decade ago, Apple was not even listed in the top 10 most valuable companies in the world.

2. Alphabet | Market Cap: USD 579.5 billion | Industry: Technology

3. Microsoft | Market Cap: USD 507.5 billion | Industry: Technology

4. Amazon| Market Cap: USD 427 billion | Industry: Technology

5. Berkshire Hathaway | Market Cap: USD 409.9 billion | Industry: Multinational Conglomerate

6. Facebook | Market Cap: USD 407.3 billion | Industry: Technology

Exxon Mobil | Market cap: USD 343.2 billion | Industry: Oil

7. Johnson & Johnson | Market Cap: USD 338.6 billion | Industry : Pharmaceutical

9. JP Morgan | Market Cap: USD 306.6 billion | Industry: Financial Services

10. Tencent Holdings | Market Cap: USD 277.1 billion | Industry: Multinational Conglomerate