The rapid growth in Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL) value has helped pull technology exchange traded funds higher as the single security is the largest holding in most tech-oriented funds. The Apple brand is now the second most recognizable in the world.
Apple is now worth about $76 billion, or a 129% increase from its $33 billion value in 2011, reports Seth Fiegerman for Mashable. Consequently, in just one year, Apple has gone from being the eighth most-valuable brand to the second most-valuable brand in the world, right behind Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO). [Nasdaq ETF at Highest Since 2000 on Apple, QE3]
Earlier this year, Apple was the most valuable company by market capitalization in history.
“Despite Steve Jobs’ passing, consumers’ emotional connection to the Apple brand remains stronger than ever – this was made clear just recently with the launch of iPhone 5,” Interbrand, a branding consultancy, noted in its report. “Even in the face of increasing competition from rivals Google and Samsung, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting the Apple brand and its intellectual property.”
Interbrand highlighted Apple’s successful launches of the iPhone and iPad, along with the company’s impressive financial earnings.
Tech sector ETFs that hold Apple include:
- iShares Dow Jones US Technology (NYSEArca: IYW): AAPL is 24.6%
- PowerShares QQQ (NasdaqGM: QQQ): AAPL is 19.0%
- Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEArca: XLK): AAPL is 20.7%
- Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSEArca: VGT): AAPL is 19.1%
For more information on the tech sector, visit our technology category.
Max Chen contributed to this article.
For full disclosure: Tom Lydon’s clients own AAPL and QQQ.