Nasdaq 100 analysis: Can Apple earn a $3 trillion valuation?

Apple stock hits all-time highs

Apple shares are up 1.5% today and have hit fresh all-time highs of $183.61, surpassing the intraday high of $182.94 and the opening high of $182.63 set back on January 4, 2022.

Can Apple’s valuation hit $3 trillion?

The rally is cementing its position as the world’s most valuable publicly-listed company with a market cap of just under $2.9 trillion. The iPhone maker briefly earnt a $3 trillion valuation when it last hit highs in 2022 but failed to close at a high enough level to keep a hold of it.

(Source: Companiesmarketcap.com)

Why is Apple stock rising?

The biggest names in tech have not been immune to the challenging market conditions and have seen sales and earnings come under pressure as inflation, rising interests and an uncertain outlook continue to plague the global economy. However, they have continued to drive markets higher after emerging as a form of safe haven for equity investors because they are attractive in both a risk-on and risk-off environment.

In Apple’s case, it offers durable revenues, reliable earnings, healthy cashflow, a wealthy bank balance, consistent shareholder returns, and strong growth prospects. As a result, the stock has significantly outperformed the market after soaring almost 47% since the start of the year.

Apple has managed to keep impressing the markets, having beaten earnings expectations in seven out of the last eight quarters. The surprise lift in iPhone sales in the last quarter has shown resilient demand for its devices from its loyal customer base and that its push into emerging markets is allowing it to find new growth as western markets mature. Services, which boasts much higher margins and therefore profits, continues to grow unabated as it taps into the two billion Apple devices being used worldwide. Investors have also got excited about the launch of its mixed-reality headset - the first new product in over a decade - and what Apple plans to do amid the eruption in artificial intelligence. The fact dividends and buybacks remain as reliable as ever, supported by its huge cash balance, has also helped too.

Is Apple stock overvalued?

The rally in Apple shares, however, has also inflated the company’s valuation. Apple currently trades at a blended-forward price-to-earnings ratio of 28.5x, far above the 20.8x of the Nasdaq 100, which may raise questions about whether it is overvalued, and whether more attractive opportunities lie elsewhere.

Brokers have raised their target price after continuing to be impressed by Apple this year but they also believe the recent rally has pushed the stock to its limit considering they have an average target price of $181.69, just below where it sits today.

Where next for AAPL stock?

Apple shares have comfortably surpassed the all-time high we saw early last year and has now outpaced the supportive trendline that can be traced back to the start of 2023, but it will need to close above $182.63 to book a new closing high and install confidence it can climb higher.

We could see some pullback. The RSI is now deep in overbought territory and we have seen trading volumes fall for three consecutive sessions to show appetite may be starting to wane at these levels. The stock risks falling back toward $179/$180 if it loses steam and the rally reverses. A slip below here would see it slide toward the peak we saw in August 2022 at $174.50.

Nasdaq 100 analysis: Where next for the index?

Apple, as one of the largest components of the Nasdaq 100, is providing some support to the index today. The Nasdaq 100 is trading at its highest level in 14 months and remain on course to keep climbing toward 15,200 if it can keep up the momentum.

However, it too could find it more difficult to keep the rally going as the RSI is also deep in overbought territory. We can see by the upper wicks from both Friday and today that appetite is being tested above around 14,550, so a sustained move above here is needed. Any pullback could see the index slip back toward 14,270 in the near-term.

How to trade Apple stock

You can trade Alphabet shares with City Index in just four easy steps:

Open a City Index account, or log-in if you’re already a customer.
Search for ‘Apple’ in our award-winning platform
Choose your position and size, and your stop and limit levels
Place the trade

Or you can practice trading risk-free by signing up for our Demo Trading Account.

This report is intended for general circulation only. It should not be construed as a recommendation, or an offer (or solicitation of an offer) to buy or sell any financial products. The information provided does not take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Before you act on any recommendation that may be contained in this report, independent advice ought to be sought from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment product, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs.

StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd., may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities or affiliates within the StoneX group of companies or third parties pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed to a person in Singapore who is not an accredited investor, expert investor or an institutional investor (as defined in the Securities Futures Act), StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. accepts legal responsibility to such persons for the contents of the report only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. at 6826 9988 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.

In the case of all other recipients of this report, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations neither StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. nor its associated companies will be responsible or liable for any loss or damage incurred arising out of, or in connection with, any use of the information contained in this report and all such liability is hereby expressly disclaimed. No representation or warranty is made, express or implied, that the content of this report is complete or accurate.

StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. is not under any obligation to update this report.

Trading CFDs and FX on margin carries a high level of risk that may not be suitable for some investors. Consider your investment objectives, level of experience, financial resources, risk appetite and other relevant circumstances carefully. The possibility exists that you could lose some or all of your investments, including your initial deposits. If in doubt, please seek independent expert advice. Visit www.cityindex.com/en-sg/terms-and-policies for the complete Risk Disclosure Statement.

ALL TRADING INVOLVES RISKS. LOSSES CAN EXCEED DEPOSITS.

City Index is a trading name of StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. (“SFP”) for the offering of dealing services in Contracts for Differences (“CFD”). SFP holds a Capital Markets Services Licence issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore for Dealing in Exchange-Traded Derivatives Contracts, Over-the-Counter Derivatives Contracts, and Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts for the Purposes of Leveraged Foreign Exchange Trading. SFP is also both Derivatives Trading and Clearing member of the Singapore Exchange (“SGX”). SFP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneX Group Inc.

The information provided herein is intended for general circulation. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. You should take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs before making a commitment to invest, including seeking advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently, any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.

The information does not represent an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any investment product. Any views and opinions expressed may be changed without an update. To understand the risks and costs involved, please visit the section captioned “Important Information” and the “Risk Disclosure Statement”.

The information herein is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation.

StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. 1 Raffles Place, #18-61, One Raffles Place Tower 2, Singapore 048616. Tel: 6309 1000. Co. Reg. No.: 201130598R.

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.