Shares of Apple Inc. (AAPL) nudged higher on Tuesday. The reason? The company is doing that thing where it brings more manufacturing back to the United States, and this time it's picking Texas.
According to reports, Apple is expanding its operations with a new facility in Houston that will produce the Mac mini. The Wall Street Journal first reported the news, which the iPhone maker later confirmed.
Think of it as Apple's latest chapter in its "Made in America" story, and it's a big one.
Building a Bigger Footprint in Texas
CEO Tim Cook emphasized the company's focus on job creation and skill development. "We began shipping advanced AI servers from Houston ahead of schedule, and we're excited to accelerate that work even further," Cook said. "We're proud to significantly expand our footprint in Houston with the production of Mac mini starting later this year."
This isn't just about one product line. The move is part of Apple's massive $600 billion commitment to U.S. investment announced last year. The company says it has already surpassed its goal by sourcing over 20 billion U.S.-made chips from 24 factories across 12 states. Its partners in this effort include heavyweights like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM), Broadcom Inc. (AVGO), and Texas Instruments Incorporated (TXN).
The Houston expansion is multifaceted. Beyond churning out Mac minis, the operations will double the campus's size. Apple is also establishing an Advanced Manufacturing Center there, set to open later this year, which will provide hands-on training in advanced manufacturing techniques. It's a clear signal that Apple is planting a long-term flag in American manufacturing, not just setting up a temporary assembly line.
The broader tech sector rose 0.54% on the previous trading day, and Apple's positive move aligned with that favorable trend.
What the Charts Say About Apple Stock
Now, let's talk about the stock itself. From a technical perspective, the picture is a bit mixed. The stock is currently trading 2.3% below its 20-day simple moving average and 4.1% below its 100-day simple moving average. That suggests some short-term weakness. Over the past 12 months, however, shares have increased and are positioned closer to their 52-week highs than lows, showing longer-term strength.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 44.45, which is neutral territory—neither overbought nor oversold. Meanwhile, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is at 0.15, which is below its signal line of 0.22. That typically indicates some bearish pressure.
So, you have neutral momentum from the RSI but a bearish signal from the MACD. Traders often look at key levels in such scenarios:
- Key Resistance: $288.00
- Key Support: $250.00
