This is the 16th annual ranking of the FT Global 500, providing an annual snapshot of the world’s largest companies. Apple takes over as the world’s most valuable company, with ExxonMobil at number two. The total market capitalisation of the Global 500 companies has fallen by 3.6% from $26,200bn to $25,300bn this year. The FTSE All World index has fallen by 3.2% over the same period in dollar terms. The 500th company is worth $17.9bn, compared to $19bn last year.
The main Global 500 table and others available on FT.com show how corporate fortunes have changed in the past year, highlighting relative performance of countries and sectors. Banks and oil companies remain the most valuable sectors in the list at $3,836bn and $3,272bn respectively. Software & computer services overtook mining to become the fifth most valuable sector, behind pharmaceuticals and technology hardware & equipment.