The world's top brands!

Coca-Cola, Microsoft, IBM, GE still rule the roost as the world's best brands, says the BusinessWeek-Interbrand study on global brands.

For the fourth consecutive year, BusinessWeek teamed up with Interbrand, a leading brand consultancy, to publish a ranking of The 100 Best Global Brands (by dollar value).

This year's rankings rewarded companies that build communities around their products and services creating 'cult brands' that enable customers to feel as if they own the brand, said BusinessWeek in a media release.

Based on its high brand loyalty and strong sales of the iPod, Apple (No. 43) is the biggest mover with a 24% gain in brand value.

Other big gainers include Yahoo!, No. 61 (up 17%); Amazon, No. 66 (up 22%); Samsung, No. 21 (up 16%); and HSBC, No. 33 (up 15%). Online auctioneer eBay debuts on the list this year at No. 60.

The improving economy helped boost the financial services industry this year. Investment house Goldman Sachs gained 13% in brand value to land at No. 37. Other gainers in the industry include J P Morgan, No. 30 (up 7%); Morgan Stanley, No. 27 (up 8%); and Merrill Lynch, No. 26 (up 9%).

Photograph: Getty Images

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