Gadgets, Shares | featured news

Shares of the Silicon Valley giant has touched $600 for the first time, about a month after reaching the $500 mark.

Apple's market capitalization topped $500 billion in opening trading Wednesday, climbing to a mountain peak where few companies have ventured -and none have stayed for long.

Investors purchased roughly 850 calls at the Dec. 11 $19 strike for an average premium of $0.53 each, and snapped up nearly 700 of the Dec. '11 $20 strike calls at an average premium of $0.39 apiece. Call buyers at these strikes may profit at expiration next week in the event that shares in Research in Motion surge 6.7% and 11.4% over the current price of $18.30 to surpass the average breakeven prices of $19.53 and $20.39, respectively.

Apple's board awarded new CEO Tim Cook 1 million shares of stock -- provided he stays with the company throgh 2021.

Investors Thursday had a muted reaction to news that Steve Jobs has resigned as chief executive of Apple, sending the high-flying shares down less than 2 percent.

Blockbuster sales of the iPhone and strong Asian business again helped Apple Inc crush Wall Street's expectations, driving its shares up more than 7 percent to a record high and boosting Asian stocks.

Research in Motion announced last week that cost cutting efforts will include layoffs following a sluggish start to the year and continued new product delays. Shares sold off sharply as investors bailed on lowered guidance and delayed new Blackberry launch.

Apple receives vote of confidence as analysts raise their price target for the company's shares a day after it unveils record profits and revenues.