To illustrate this point, consider that Microsoft, started in 1975, reached a peak equity market valuation of over $500 billion in 2000, yet is currently worth just over $200 billion (September 2010).
Madrid is a remarkable capital city with numerous interesting attractions that reveal an important history. The must sees of the city include Old Madrid, the Museo del Prado, the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), its gardens, Retiro Park, and the city's many fine and famous plazas.
The historic centre, also known as the Madrid of Los Austrias (in reference to the Hapsburg monarchs), and the spectacular Plaza Mayor square âinaugurated in 1620 and one of the most popular and typical sites in Spainâ are a living example of the nascent splendour of the city in the 16th and 17th centuries.