Apple stock plunges: $300 support hangs by a thread after guidance miss (AAPL:NASDAQ)
Apple shares collapsed 10% in Friday afternoon trading after the company issued weak guidance, triggering the iPhone maker's worst single-day post-earnings drop since January 2013. The sell-off pushed AAPL through its 50-day moving average, with technical indicators flashing warning signs as both the Relative Strength Index and MACD turned bearish.
The decline left Apple's critical $300 support level vulnerable. The stock's rapid deterioration following the earnings report reflects investor concern over forward-looking statements that fell short of expectations, compounding worries about the company's near-term revenue outlook.
Friday's rout represents a significant technical breakdown for the mega-cap stock, which had held above its 50-day moving average through much of the recent rally. The RSI weakness suggests momentum has shifted decisively negative, while the MACD crossover adds another layer of concern for chart-watchers who use the indicator to gauge trend strength.