Core Viewpoint - The optimism surrounding Apple's trade and product performance is positively impacting major market indexes, with the iPhone 17 models being particularly successful [1][2]. Product Performance - The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have been well-received, with significant upgrades in display, camera, and size [2]. - The base model iPhone has also shown strong sales, contributing to overall positive sentiment [1]. Market Valuation Concerns - There are concerns regarding Apple's current valuation, with shares trading at 30 to 32 times estimated earnings, significantly above the ten-year average of 22 times [5][6]. - Analysts express skepticism about whether the early momentum for the iPhone justifies this high valuation [5]. Future Product Pipeline - Apple is expected to introduce a foldable iPhone priced around $2,000, which could significantly increase average selling prices (ASPs) and overall revenue [8]. - The company plans to expand its product portfolio with new smart home devices and robotics, aiming to compete with established players like Amazon and Google [9][10]. Consumer Pricing Strategies - Installment plans and trade-in promotions are seen as effective strategies to make higher-priced products more accessible to consumers [13]. - The general consumer sentiment is shifting to accept higher prices due to factors like tariffs and inflation, providing Apple with a favorable environment for price adjustments [14]. Long-term Product Viability - Despite concerns about reliance on the iPhone, it is believed that the device will continue to be a staple in consumers' lives, with no imminent replacement on the horizon [16][18]. - The evolution of product categories, such as smart glasses, is expected to complement rather than replace the iPhone [18].

Group 1 - The S&P 500 index increased by 1.2%, with approximately 423 stocks rising within the index, indicating a broad market rally [1] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 550 points, also reflecting a 1.2% increase, while the Nasdaq Composite saw a 1.5% increase [1] - Apple stock played a significant role in the market rally, contributing to the performance of the S&P 500, which outperformed the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF [2]

Core Insights - Apple is approaching a $4 trillion valuation, driven by renewed investor confidence due to strong demand for the iPhone 17 [2] - Year-to-date, Apple's shares have increased by 8%, while the S&P 500 has risen by 14.9% and the broader market by 19.4% [2]

Core Insights - Apple Inc's stock is currently up 4.3% to $263.18, buoyed by strong iPhone 17 sales in the U.S. and China, leading to upgrades from analysts [1] - The stock has reached a record high of $264.37 and is showing a positive trend above its year-to-date breakeven level [4] - Options trading indicates a strong bias towards calls, with significant volume in recent sessions [1][2] Options Activity - In the last 10 sessions, Apple saw 4,931,726 calls and 2,449,264 puts exchanged, totaling 7,380,990 options [2] - The January 2026 290-strike call was the most actively traded option during this period, with notable interest in November 265 and 220-strike calls [1] Volatility and Earnings Outlook - The Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) for Apple is at 28%, placing it in the 19th percentile of the past 12 months, indicating that options premiums are currently affordably priced [6] - The stock's Volatility Scorecard (SVS) is ranked at 79 out of 100, suggesting that Apple has historically outperformed options traders' volatility expectations [7]

A lot has been made of Apple’s push into AI, wearables, and services, but it's the iPhone that remains the heartbeat of the company’s business. Its ubiquitous smartphone still generates more than 50% of its $390 billion in annual sales. When iPhone demand jumps, everything else follows, including margins, free cash flow, and the buyback engine that has effectively propped up its unmatched trillion-dollar market cap. That’s exactly what the iPhone 17 launch carried, so much more weight than a typical refr ...

Group 1 - Apple Inc.'s stock experienced significant momentum, leading to a 4.6% increase on Monday [1]

Core Insights - Apple stock reached an all-time high of over $264, surpassing its previous peak of $258.10 in December 2024, with an 8% increase year-to-date and over 11% year-over-year [2][3] Product Performance - The iPhone 17 series has outsold the iPhone 16 series by 14% in its first 10 days in the U.S. and China, according to a report by Counterpoint [3][7] - The base model iPhone 17 is driving the success of the launch, with sell-out rates nearly one-third higher compared to the iPhone 16 series launch in 2024, particularly performing well in China [7][8] Consumer Appeal - The iPhone 17 offers significant upgrades such as a better chip, improved display, higher base storage, and a selfie camera upgrade, all at the same price as the iPhone 16, making it compelling for consumers [8] Market Trends - In the U.S., the iPhone 17 Pro Max has seen the highest demand spike, attributed to promotional deals from carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon [8] - Analysts suggest that the current stock price reflects expectations of strong performance from the iPhone 17 family, with potential for further upside through 2027 [9]

Core Insights - Apple has been added to Core ISI's tactical outperform list due to strong demand for the iPhone 17, which has reached an all-time high, positively impacting the Dow [1] - The iPhone 17 is performing well globally, with base models favored in China and Pro Max models in the US, driven by a significant number of older iPhones needing upgrades [2] - Attractive promotions in the US are contributing to better iPhone momentum, alongside the resolution of previous concerns regarding Apple's services business [3] iPhone Performance - The iPhone 17's success is attributed to a combination of factors, including the aging of older iPhones and innovations in the new models [2] - The analyst anticipates high single-digit growth for iPhones, contributing to overall positive momentum for Apple [5] Services Growth - There is a clearer outlook for double-digit growth in Apple's services segment, with expectations of low teens growth driven by the resolution of legal concerns [4][5] - The combination of iPhone sales and services growth is expected to provide significant upside momentum for Apple through 2026 [5] AI and Future Prospects - Apple is gradually addressing its AI strategy, with the potential for significant advancements in voice AI by 2026 [6][7] - The company is not facing existential threats from AI, allowing it to take a measured approach to its investments in this area [6] Leadership and Succession - Discussions regarding Tim Cook's leadership and potential succession are ongoing, but there is no immediate urgency for a transition [8] - Recent executive transitions suggest that Cook is likely to remain in his position for several more years [8]

Core Insights - Dell has restocked its online store with popular third-party tech brands such as Bose, Sony, Logitech, and Google Nest, which were removed over a year ago [1][10] - This restock is particularly beneficial for American Express Business Platinum cardholders, who can utilize their statement credits on these high-demand products [2][10] Product Availability - The current selection includes Bose headphones and earbuds, Sony audio devices, Logitech mice and keyboards, and Google Nest smart home accessories, significantly improving the previous offerings [3][8] - While some products like Google Pixel watches and Anker gear are still missing, the available items represent a solid mix of sought-after technology [3] Pricing Comparison - Prices for items like the Bose QuietComfort headphones are competitive when compared to Amazon, indicating that Dell's pricing strategy is aligned with market expectations [6][8] Consumer Benefits - The return of beloved Logitech devices and other popular tech products enhances options for consumers looking to upgrade their home and office setups [8] - The timing of this restock aligns well with the holiday shopping season, providing opportunities for significant savings when combined with Amex Business Platinum card credits [10]

The US benchmark S&P 500 rose by as much as 1.13pc, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 1.04pc and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite, which was also bolstered by a surge in Apple’s share price, rose by 1.49pc.Stocks rose as investor fears over US regional banks eased and Donald Trump said he expected to get a trade deal with China.That’s all we’ve got time for today, but you can click here to follow the latest business and economics news. Have a lovely evening.Mr Trump said on Monday: “I’m meeting wit ...