
Apple joins exclusive $500bn club
• By Chris Nuttall and Richard WatersApple has joined an elite group of companies to reach a $500bn equity valuation amid expectations it is to launch a new version of the iPad next week.
Apple is the world’s most valuable company – valued at about $90bn more than ExxonMobil– and stock market analysts remain bullish. Of 56 analysts tracking Apple to be surveyed by Bloomberg, 51 rate the stock a “buy” with four maintaining a “hold” stance. Only one has a “sell” rating.