Most Valuable Global Brands in 2016

Interbrand recently ranked the most valuable brands in the world. For 2016, the top 10 list is:

10. General Electric (US based)
9.   Mercedes (Germany)
8.   Amazon (US)
7.   Samsung (South Korea)
6.   IBM (US)
5.   Toyota (Japan)
4.   Microsoft (US)
3.   Coca-Cola (US)
2.   Google (US)
1.   Apple (US)

Notice any patterns?

First, 7 of the top 10 are US-based brands.

Second, technology fuels many of the top 10. 

And third, these are powerful brands backed by powerful marketing. Coca-Cola is well over a century old, yet it remains highly popular and valuable because marketing keeps it visible in pop culture. Amazon was incorporated only 20 years ago, but its first-mover advantage and ongoing innovations have helped the retailer stay ahead of competitors year after year.

Will Apple remain at the top of the tree in 2017? Although some analysts are concerned about Apple's ability to keep innovating, the brand has actually increased in value. I believe it won't lose its #1 status in 2017. But Samsung may fall in the rankings as a result of its exploding battery problem.