Apple Overtakes Microsoft as the World's Most Valuable Company in Early 2024

Microsoft has finally overtaken Apple as the world's most valuable company at the beginning of 2024.

This is evident from the market capitalization of both companies. Data from Companies Market Cap shows that Microsoft's market capitalization reached US$2.88 trillion or Rp44.885 trillion (assuming an exchange rate of Rp15,547 per US$) on Monday (April 15, 2024).

Meanwhile, Apple's market capitalization stood at US$2.87 trillion or Rp44.683 trillion on the same day.

According to Katadata, Microsoft and Apple are fiercely competing in launching technology products, including artificial intelligence (AI). However, Apple is facing declining sales.

The iPhone assembler in China, Foxconn, recorded a year-on-year (YoY) decline in revenue. In addition, Apple is facing allegations of a monopoly in America.

Meanwhile, Microsoft said it will soon introduce Windows PCs with a Copilot button on the keyboard that can speed up access to the AI assistant. Copilot is an AI-based chatbot.

Microsoft's share price rose 57% throughout last year, partly because investors expect the software maker to expand by selling AI services to business consumers.

Microsoft also diligently invested in ChatGPT developer OpenAI last year. During the same period, Apple's stock rose 48%.

Below these two companies is Saudi Aramco, which has a market capitalization of US$2.09 trillion or Rp32.509 trillion.

Completing the top five are Alphabet (Google's parent company) at US$1.79 trillion (Rp27.891 trillion) and Amazon at US$1.59 trillion (Rp24.829 trillion).

Here are the top 10 companies with the largest market capitalization in the world as of January 15, 2024:

* Microsoft US$2.88 trillion
* Apple US$2.87 trillion
* Saudi Aramco US$2.09 trillion
* Alphabet US$1.79 trillion
* Amazon US$1.59 trillion
* NVIDIA US$1.35 trillion
* Meta Platforms US$962.38 billion
* Berkshire Hathaway US$791.24 billion
* Tesla US$695.83 billion
* Eli Lilly US$610.32 billion.