Financial brands saw their brand values decline significantly in 2011 due to economic conditions, with banking brands losing $25.9 billion in total brand value. Technology brands like Apple, Microsoft, and Google rose to the top spots, with Apple increasing 33% to become more valuable than Microsoft. Samsung also increased its brand value by 24% due to stronger market positions in TVs and smartphones.

1. Top 30
Most
Valuable
Brands
in the World
for 2011

2. Extraordinary economic conditions felt this year has caused a shakeup
in the value of global brands…

3. The Brand Finance plc. Global Intangible Financial Tracker League Table
(GIFT), which normally releases global brand rankings in January, updated
their list as of last month due to these conditions.
Financial brands were the hardest hit, with banking brands losing about
US$$25.9 billion (S$32.1 billion) of their brand value from January this year.
HSBC has become the world's most valuable bank brand keeping a steady
position at 10, while Bank of America saw its brand value fall by S$$5.3
billion.
Technology brands flourished, with Apple, Microsoft, and Google taking over
the top spots. Apple has increased its value by 33%, making it a more
valuable brand than Microsoft for the first time.
Samsung is another notable performer, increasing the value of its brand by
24 per cent to US$26.6 billion. This is due to a stronger hold on both the TV
and smart phone markets.
The automotive sector has also performed well in the last six months, with
Japanese brand Toyota re-entering the top 10 with a value of US$28.8 billion.