A global report has ranked one of the Big Four as the only Aussiecompany on the list of the world's 100 most valuable brands.

The BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Brands report has ranked Commonwealth Bank among the most valuable brands in the world. CBAwas the only Australian company to make the list, coming in at number 60.

Branding juggernaut Apple predictably took out the top spot, with tech giants IBM, Google and Microsoft also appearing in the top five. In its first appearance on the list, Commonwealth Bank bested the likes of Ebay, Pepsi and Sony.

The survey, conducted by brand research company Millward Brown, ratedCBA's brand value at more than $13bn. A spokesperson for the company said brand strength could help provide a buffer for companies in difficult economic times.

"Brands help businesses create competitive differentiation, command a price premium and become more resilient to crises or economic turbulence. This year, those businesses that leveraged technology, focused on the customer experience or boosted control of their brands thrived," the spokesperson said.

AUSTRALIAN BROKER ON LINE

Are your clients looking to offload one of their properties this year? If so, what should you be telling them?

Property vendors have been warned not to let the cold weather go to their head and start discounting their asking prices as the mercury drops – and it’s even been suggested that now could be the time to put their property on the market.

Raine & Horne CEO Angus Raine argues that, despite the seasonal drop in buyer activity that comes as buyers put their plans on ice until spring, winter actually represents a great time to be selling.

“Generally, sales volumes are down by as much as 20% in the colder months as a result of fewer homes for sale, however this doesn't necessarily mean there is a smaller pool of motivated buyers," he said.

"Typically, owners tend to hold out for a spring sale, as the collective wisdom suggests that a home will present better in the warmer months. However, this isn't always true, and in many cases the cooler months enable a property to show off its very best features."

He added that there are a number of factors that vendors should keep in mind if they’re planning to make a sale between now and September. These include:

•Selling in winter is viable if the home has plenty of natural light.

•Likewise, a sun-drenched interior is certain to move a home up the pecking order and may prove a significant tick in the box with many buyers.

It’s even been suggested that in regional areas selling a home in winter can deliver a better price than a spring sale.

"The problem with selling in spring is that everybody has the same idea," said Raine & Hornee Dubbo principal Ken Mongan. "Ideally, winter is a better time to sell because you are competing with 15-20% fewer homes on the market."

He added that sprucing up the property in preparation for the sale will do wonders for your clients' prospects, regardless of the season.

"It might also help to slap on a coat of paint, with neutral colours such as a white, grey or light brown the best bet," he said.

AUSTRALIAN BROKER ON LINE.

The Gillard government scrambled to clarify its tax plans late yesterday as experts slammed the measures for hurting workers trying to save for their retirement without imposing the same penalties on others.

Seriously - not that it would affect most of us BUT one set of rules for the Pollies (who are doing such a good job!!! NOT), Judges and Senior Public Servants AND another set of rules for any other Australian Taxpayer.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to hold tight on rates in June following stronger than expected employment data.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the nation’s unemployment rate dropped below 5 per cent for the first time in a year, which AMP’s senior economist Shane Oliver says will give the RBA “breathing space”.

“Especially coming on top of strong retail and building approvals… the RBA will probably not be cutting rates in June, but economic data in Australia runs hot and cold,” he said.

“Sooner or later, we’ll return to weakness.”

Unemployment fell 0.2 per cent in April to sit at just 4.9 per cent.

Unemployment in people aged 15-24 years has fallen significantly from 13.3 per cent to 12.4 per cent.

THE ADVISER

As more lenders continue to move on rates, one thing is becoming very clear: no lender is prepared to pass on the full rate cut to borrowers.

In the last few days, BankSA cut 38 basis points from its standard variable rate to 7.04 per cent, while St George also cut 0.38 per cent from its SVR, taking it to to 7.04 per cent effective from May 14.

Bendigo Bank cut its rate by 0.35 per cent and CUA passed on half of the Reserve Bank's 50 basis point cut by slashing 25 basis points from its standard variable rate.

One of the biggest interest rate cuts so far is the Bank of Melbourne, which passed on a 0.41 per cent rate cut to borrowers.

THE ADVISER