Microsoft updates MSN Money

Microsoft has updated its CNBC on MSN Money personal finance site with a redesign and the addition of new tools and resources.

New dynamic home pages throughout the site deliver financial news and the company has also added what it describes as 'Decision Centers' in each section of the site to offer user-definable information and tools.

Through MSN Mobile, consumers can receive Briefing.com's market report and breaking news from Reuters, including the top 25 most recent stories via a pocket PC or the top five via a mobile phone.

A 'Credit Card Analyzer' tool has also been included to help users search for the most cost-effective credit card from MSN's online database.

"Now more than ever, consumers want useful resources that help them tackle important financial challenges," said Chris Jolley, director of product management for the Financial Products Group at Microsoft.

The software giant claimed that the CNBC on MSN Money offering attracted the most visitors among financial news and information websites in March and April.

MSN quoted statistics from market research firm Nielsen//NetRatings, which it said shows its services generated more traffic than competitors such as Yahoo! Finance and AOL Personal Finance.