Tech firms that show cost control is key reap gains

New York

INVESTORS have started to reward Internet companies that can show both financial discipline and a path to long-term growth, making Amazon.com Inc and Google Inc the clear winners of the technology earnings season.

Google kept costs in check in the second quarter, and shareholders cheered with a 16 per cent stock gain after the search giant released better-than-expected results. Amazon also surged after posting a surprise profit, demonstrating that the Web retailer is capable of making money when it puts a brake on spending.