What brands are considered "leading edge" by Canadians? Ipsos Reid conducted a nationwide survey of Canadian adults to find out. As part of its Ipsos Influence Index study to identify key factors that drive brand influence, the market research firm uncovered the 10 companies Canada believes are at the forefront of innovative excellence.

5 of the 10 companies in the list are technology companies. Number one overall is Apple, who won for its originality, innovation, and revolutionary product design. Steve Levy, president of Ipsos Reid, said that "it's been amazing to see what Apple has accomplished over the past decade, through the introduction of innovative and iconic products."

The global stock market has been considerably volatile for several months now following a short-lived recovery after the Great Recession. Tech stocks have been no exception to the rule: even staples of stability have put their wary investors on gut-wrenching roller coaster rides. Today marked a notable high and a notable low.

Apple's share price climbed to an all-time high of nearly $428, a new peak after rising beyond $400 in October before dropping back down into the $360s. It has since eased back into the low $420s but remains up on the day. This, despite numerous sessions at CES hyping up this idea of ultrabooks—in essence, the rest of the industry's response to Macbook Airs. That's because there is strong anticipation of a big year: one, if not two, new iPads; a new iPhone; and possibly even a dividend, plus likely upgrades to the Macbook and iMac lineups.