...and a half, while Google Finance languishes at #17 (one slot above a site called FreePressRelease.com, the NYT points out).

The Times looks at all the various reasons Yahoo Finance is doing so much better, starting with something youd expect from Google: a clean page layout. Google is known for its clutter-free homepage"definitely not something youd associate with Yahoo. However, on Finance pages, Yahoo says they realize that too much data overwhelms and confuses visitors. Google, on the other hand, is of the opinion that a finance site should offer the best data and charts. And when that doesnt work, offer still more data and charts.

However, the opposite approaches to homepage clutter may also be working in favor of Yahoo. They often feature interesting, appealing articles (the NYT mentions one highlight: Where Rich Singles Live with a picture of a pretty professional woman) on their homepage, drawing more visitors to their Finance site.

But, the NYT points out, Yahoo suffers from a major flaw, completely and totally insurmountable to anyone who might ever want financial information: their stock ticker is up to a minute slower than Googles, unless you fork over up to $13.95/month. And Yahoo doesnt use the Nasdaq or NY Stock Exchange data. Unforgivable finance sins.

The NYT gives no indication of joking about the seriousness of this matter. But I am definitely not serious. Thats the best criticism you can come up with? Unless youre an obsessive stock market gambler or a professional day trader, is that going to hurt?

Yahoo Finances content is mostly stock quotes, charts, press releases, SEC filings, etc., with a few syndicated and feature articles. About 5% of their content is original, though the NYT says theyre working on bringing that up to 10%, on par with Yahoo Sports.

What do you think? Is a one-minute delay on stock quotes worth the worry? Is less really more when it comes to financial information online?

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