The domestic revenues of the 10 largest US search firms fell by an average of 25% in 2001 as the economic downturn struck, according to a report by Hunt-Scanlon, the market research firm.

Worldwide, the total revenues of the six largest search firms declined by almost $600m (&euro680m) from the previous year, or 23%, Hunt-Scanlon estimated. It said the sector's performance was the worst for a decade.