The health condition of Steve Jobs and the value of Apple’s shares

This paper aims to analyze the influence of news about Steve Jobs’ health on the price of Apple stock during the period from 10/16/2003 to 10/05/2011. Seven major events were identified for which significant market reaction was detected within five days after the release. The results indicate a trend dampening market reactions over time, suggesting that after the first news, investors gradually included in their predictions the frequent absences of the ceo. The mistaken announcement of Steve Jobs’ death on August 28th, and his appearance showing signs of physical weakness on September 9th 2008, in the acute phase of the financial crisis, were decisive factors in influencing the value of Apple’s shares. Furthermore, the news about Steve Jobs’ health did not cause significant impact on the price of the shares after he returned to the presidency of Apple. This indicates that the market had already picked up signs of a probable permanent absence.