Chart Advisor: Why Apple Remains a Titan

By David Keller. CMT

Let’s Unpack Why Apple Remains a Titan

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Let’s Unpack Why Apple Remains a Titan

Apple, with its monumental earnings boost last week, commands attention once again. Before diving into the tech giant’s stock performance and what this could mean for future investments, give that a moment to sink in. Apple, arguably still the crown jewel in Warren Buffett’s portfolio at Berkshire Hathaway, has managed to hold its appeal despite declining iPhone sales, thanks to substantial buyback increases and dividend enhancements.

Let’s unpack why Apple remains a titan in the investment world, blending technical analysis with the kind of fundamental powerhouse insights that Warren Buffett himself might nod approvingly at. As a technical analyst and a keen observer of Buffett’s investment strategy, I find the intersection of these disciplines revealing. While charts and technical data paint one picture—the short-term gains, medium-term stabilizations, and long-term uptrends—understanding the underlying business dynamics and macroeconomic factors adds depth to our investment decisions.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I am not just a chart enthusiast. I also dig into the fundamental aspects driving companies like Apple to sustain growth over multiple years. Considerations such as Federal Reserve policies, inflation, and interest rates are critical in shaping my outlook on stocks and ETFs that I follow.

As many make their way to Omaha to gather pearls of wisdom from Buffett at the annual Berkshire Hathaway meeting, it’s crucial to remember why Apple is a mainstay in Buffett’s portfolio. His strategy often involves holding large, concentrated positions in key, blue-chip companies, and Apple’s long-term growth story fits this mold perfectly.

Drilling into the technicals—Apple’s shares, on a short-term basis, show promising signs, such as overcoming key moving averages and an RSI indicating increasing momentum. However, the real magic happens when we stretch the timeframe. Employing a Fibonacci analysis on the stock provides insights into potential support levels which have historically held well, providing rebound opportunities for the stock.

On a longer timeline, a look at Apple’s charts over the past 16 years reveals a compelling narrative. The consistent pattern of hitting new highs, followed by manageable lows, illustrates a robust growth trajectory that few companies can match. It’s like what I always say, individual trading days can be deceptive, the real story unfolds when you zoom out.

Courtesy of StockCharts.com

Apple’s long-term uptrend is marked by multiple tests of an ascending 150-week moving average.

Reflecting on Buffett’s interest in Apple, it becomes clear that the investment mogul’s strategy aligns with the broader patterns shown in Apple’s long-term chart. Each touch of the 150-week moving average has historically presented a buying opportunity—a pattern echoing through Apple’s stock history.

While daily fluctuations can be enticing or nerve-wracking, a multi-timeframe analysis is quintessential. Such an approach not only aligns with how legendary investors like Buffett operate but also equips us to make more informed decisions, balancing immediate opportunities with long-term strategies. Remember, understanding timeframes and the interplay between them is an invaluable part of any investor’s toolkit.

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Originally posted 8th May 2024