Google, the internet search engine, specialises in resolving queries.

The company claims to have "a laser-like focus on finding the right answer more than 200 million times a day".

One question the company seems unable to answer, however, is whether it is to seek a stock market listing. Potential investors would also appreciate guidance on when such a flotation might happen, and how much it would raise.

Eric Schmidt, the Google chairman and chief executive, briefly let his guard slip, telling business leaders that an IPO was not his agenda "right now", only to decline to answer follow-up queries.

Indeed, his lapse has only raised further questions, such as "if not right now, why not"?

Some see it as a reflection of hopes for the technology sector, and that Google, valued by analysts at about $20 billion (£11bn), might gain more from delaying its flotation. Indeed, Ask Jeeves, the rival search engine, raised hopes of technology investors yesterday by announcing its an annual profit for the first time.

Others see fear of share falls in Google's decision, following the return of the Dow Jones Industrial Average this week below 10,500 points.

Still, the most serious concerns over Google should really rest with Wall Street bankers over how much they will be able to charge for floating the internet giant. Wall Street's average take of 7 per cent may drop to 4 per cent to account for Google's size.

Considering the possibility of an internet-only launch, bypassing Wall Street - as Google has threatened - the fees may be lower still.

It is here that Google should strike, and graduate from being a defender of the might of the internet to champion of the entrepreneur against the cosy Wall Street club.

And wreak revenge on the bankers whose fickleness towards technology companies led investors on such a miserable ride.