In the world of technology and innovation, few events garner as much anticipation and excitement as Apple Inc.’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Drawing audiences from around the globe, this annual showcase has become a cornerstone for revealing Apple’s next steps in software development and its future technological direction. The WWDC, once primarily a niche event for developers and tech enthusiasts, has evolved into a significant cultural phenomenon over the past decade or more, reflecting Apple’s growing influence on technology and our daily lives.
This year’s iteration of the event was prefaced with considerable excitement, particularly regarding Apple’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). There was widespread speculation and hope that Apple would introduce groundbreaking AI initiatives under the banner of “Apple Intelligence.” As one of the most closely watched companies in the world, Apple’s movements in AI are seen as indicative of future trends in the technology sector at large. However, the unveiling left some spectators feeling underwhelmed, especially in terms of AI. According to Bloomberg, “Apple Inc. unveiled the most sweeping software redesign in its history, aiming to make the company’s device lineup more cohesive and useful, even while doing little to upgrade its struggling artificial intelligence platform.” Morning Brew echoed this sentiment, highlighting how Apple acknowledged its AI efforts had not yet met its own lofty standards, though it announced a new foundational model for developers.
Despite the groundbreaking announcements, the market’s reaction to the WWDC was relatively muted, with Apple’s stock price experiencing a modest 1% drop. This lukewarm response could be attributed to the company’s somewhat underwhelming performance in the ongoing year–2025. Apple has found itself as the second-worst performer among the major seven technology stocks, grappling with the challenges of staying above the critical technical benchmarks of the 50-day and 200-day moving averages. Additionally, the broader geopolitical tensions, particularly the US-China tariff negotiations, have cast a shadow over the tech giant, stoking investor hopes for a more stimulating breakthrough at the WWDC.
In another part of the technology landscape, ASML Holding NV, a lesser-known yet pivotal player in the technology sector, has been making waves. ASML, a Dutch company, is at the heart of the semiconductor industry, manufacturing sophisticated lithography machines essential for producing the most advanced chips, including those powering AI technologies. Despite its critical role, ASML has remained somewhat under the radar, especially in the US. However, in Europe, tech analysts frequently spotlight the company due to its central position in the technological supply chain.
Recently, ASML has faced its share of challenges, from export restrictions to the palpable tensions of geopolitical squabbles, which have inevitably impacted orders and investor sentiment. Yet, the company has shown resilience, with its stock making a commendable recovery and even surpassing the 200-day moving average—a significant indicator of long-term market confidence.
Given the high price of ASML’s shares, investing directly in the stock or engaging in options trading can be prohibitive for some investors. An alternative approach is utilizing spreads, such as call spreads and put spreads, which can offer a more accessible method for investors to engage with high-value stocks like ASML. This strategy reduces the upfront premium compared to buying calls outright, limiting the maximum risk to the initial premium paid.
Meanwhile, the financial markets have other focal points, such as Ethereum’s recent performance. The cryptocurrency has been showing notable strength, reaching multi-month highs. Investors and enthusiasts alike are closely watching to see if Ethereum can continue this momentum and possibly surpass the $3,000 milestone. Additionally, SoFi Technologies Inc. has caught investors’ attention following a significant uptick in its stock price, challenging resistance levels that could dictate its short-term direction. Furthermore, GameStop Corp. remains a company to watch, especially around its earnings releases, given its volatile history and recent moves, such as acquiring a large Bitcoin holding.
As we reflect on these developments, it’s crucial to bear in mind the inherently volatile nature of the technology and financial markets. Prices and scenarios can change rapidly, underscoring the importance of thorough research and caution when considering investment decisions. The landscape of technology, bolstered by companies like Apple and ASML, continues to evolve, presenting both opportunities and challenges for investors and enthusiasts alike.
Apple’s (NASDAQ:) WWDC event kicked off yesterday. I remember 10 or 15 years ago, this event was a big deal. For something not tied to jobs, the Fed, or earnings, Apple’s iPhone event (usually in September) and its WWDC event were important.
There was some hype leading up to Apple’s kickoff this year, particularly with its plans for AI — Apple Intelligence. While the company unveiled some cool software items, investors were left wanting more on the AI front.
“Apple Inc. unveiled the most sweeping software redesign in its history, aiming to make the company’s device lineup more cohesive and useful, even while doing little to upgrade its struggling artificial intelligence platform,” Bloomberg reported.
And per Morning Brew: “AI, who? Apple kicked off the conference by admitting Apple Intelligence wasn’t quite up to its high “quality bar” while announcing a new foundation model for developers.”
The stock only fell 1% in reaction to the news, but with its lackluster performance so far this year — it’s the second-worst performing Mag 7 stock in 2025 and over the past year, and the only one below its 50-day or 200-day moving average — and with Apple caught in the crossfire of US-China tariff talks, investors were hoping for something a little more exciting.
The Setup — ASML
ASML (NASDAQ:)doesn’t seem to get much fanfare here in the US, but talk to any tech analyst based in Europe and ASML is a key talking point. The company builds the machines that are used to make chips that are used for, among others things, AI applications.
However, export restrictions, tariffs, and escalating geopolitical concerns have weighed on orders and investor sentiment. Lately, though, the stock has been clawing back from its recent decline, recently climbing back above the 200-day moving average.
Chart as of the close on 6/9/2025. Source: eToro ProCharts, courtesy of TradingView.
Notice how ASML has regained its 200-day, but it’s also finding support along its rising 21-day moving average — a shorter-term measure often used by traders looking for uptrends and downtrends.
More notably though, is the $775 to $780 area.
This zone has been resistance all year, with ASML unable to break through this zone. If the stock can clear this area, it could trigger more upside. That’s particularly true with how well chip stocks have been trading lately, led by Nvidia (NASDAQ:), Broadcom (NASDAQ:), and Taiwan Semi.
However, if resistance holds firm, selling pressure could ensue — especially if the overall market loses traction. In this scenario, let’s see if the $735 to $740 area acts as support, which is where the 21-day and 200-day moving averages currently come into play. Below that and $720 will be in focus, which marks the recent lows.
Options
One downside to ASML is its share price. Because the stock price is so high, the options prices are incredibly high, too. This can make it difficult for investors to approach these companies with options.
In that case, many traders may opt to just trade a few shares of the common stock — and that’s fine. However, one alternative is spreads.
Call spreads and put spreads allow traders to take options trades with a much lower premium than buying the calls outright. In these cases, the maximum risk is the premium paid.
What Wall Street Is Watching
Ethereum
Yesterday we talked about gaining steam and now we’re seeing some follow-through in today. Now hitting multi-month highs, bulls are wondering if ETH can garner more momentum and push through the $3,000 level.
SOFI
Shares of SoFi (NASDAQ:) traded well last week, rising more than 7%. Now though, the stock is bumping into resistance around $14.50. Bulls are hoping for a breakout, knowing its 2025 highs are above $18. Bears are hoping resistance holds, knowing the stock was recently below $10.
GME
GameStop (NYSE:) will be in focus this afternoon with the company set to report earnings. Shares erupted higher in late May, climbing 25% in a three-day span as the company acquired over 4,700 Bitcoin. The stock has since retreated a bit, but investors will be watching this one closely as it reports.
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Disclaimer: Please note that due to market volatility, some of the prices may have already been reached and scenarios played out. Content, research, tools, and stock symbols displayed are for educational purposes only and do not imply a recommendation or solicitation to engage in any specific investment strategy. All investments involve risk, losses may exceed the amount of principal invested, and past performance does not guarantee future results.
