According to the 2017 Global 500 Brand ranking, which company was rated as the world's top brand?

Introduction / Context:
Brand valuation rankings such as the Global 500 list compare the financial strength, market influence, and consumer perception of the world's biggest companies. For many exam questions on business awareness and current affairs, you are expected to remember which company topped the ranking in a particular year. In the 2017 Global 500 Brand Finance report, the competition was mainly between large technology companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers specifically to the Global 500 Brand ranking for the year 2017.
• The options provided are four well known global technology brands: Apple, Amazon, Google, and Facebook.
• We assume the source is the Brand Finance Global 500 report for 2017, which is widely quoted in business news.

Concept / Approach:
To answer this type of general knowledge question, you do not need any formula. Instead, you rely on accurate memory of major business rankings and reports. Brand Finance evaluates brands on parameters like brand strength, royalty relief, projected revenues, and overall market impact. The company with the highest calculated brand value for that year is placed at the top of the Global 500 list.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall which company led the Brand Finance Global 500 ranking in 2017. Step 2: In earlier years, Apple had often dominated similar lists, but in the 2017 Brand Finance Global 500 report, Google overtook Apple. Step 3: Verify mentally that Amazon and Facebook, while very valuable, were placed lower than Google in that particular year. Step 4: Match this recalled information with the options. The only company that matches the 2017 number one position is Google.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick way to cross check in an exam preparation context is to remember that 2017 was often summarised in current affairs notes with the phrase “Google beats Apple to become the world's most valuable brand” or similar headlines. This reminder helps you confirm that Google, not Apple or Amazon, topped the table that year.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Apple: Apple had been number one in earlier Brand Finance lists, but in 2017 it slipped below Google.
• Amazon: Amazon was rapidly rising in value but did not take the top rank in the 2017 Global 500 list.
• Facebook: Facebook is a powerful social media brand, but its brand value in 2017 was still behind Google and Apple.

Common Pitfalls:
Many aspirants confuse different rankings such as Interbrand, BrandZ, and Brand Finance. Some lists showed Apple on top in earlier years, which can cause mix ups. Another common mistake is to assume that the company with the highest market capitalisation is always the top brand, but brand value and stock market value are calculated differently. Always link the specific year and the specific ranking agency in your memory notes.

Final Answer:
The company ranked as the world's top brand in the 2017 Global 500 Brand Finance report was Google.