Brand Finance Global 500 2026 Report

Current Context: The Brand Finance Global 500 2026 report was released on 20 January 2026 at the World Economic Forum in Davos by London‑based consultancy Brand Finance, marking its 20th anniversary edition.

• Apple retained its crown as the world’s most valuable brand at $607.6 billion, followed by Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.
• In the IT services sector, Accenture ranked #1, TCS #2, and Infosys #3, with Infosys recognized as the fastest‑growing IT services brand over the past six years.
• The report highlighted the AI boom, with NVIDIA jumping to 5th place globally (brand value up 110%) and OpenAI entering the Global 500 for the first time.
• YouTube was named the world’s strongest brand with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 95.3/100, reflecting its global influence and user engagement.
• The study also noted geographic trends: while the U.S. and China continue to dominate, India and ASEAN brands (like DBS Bank) showed strong upward momentum in 2026.
• Overall, the report emphasizes how technology, AI, and digital services are reshaping global brand rankings, with Indian IT firms consolidating their position among the world’s strongest players.

Question:

Q.1 Which company retained its position as the world’s most valuable brand in the Brand Finance Global 500 2026 report?
a) Microsoft
b) Google
c) Amazon
d) Apple

Answer: d) Apple continued its dominance as the world’s most valuable brand, with a brand valuation of $607.6 billion, reflecting its sustained consumer loyalty and ecosystem strength.