Apple and the rest of ‘The Magnificent Seven’ dominate the S&P 500
In what could be considered a remarkable testament to corporate influence, the U.S. stock market finds itself in an era of unprecedented concentration. This phenomenon is not entirely new; historical parallels draw us back to the late 1920s. However, today’s situation is distinguished by the dominance of the top five companies: Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. Together, these titans account for nearly a quarter of the market capitalization of the S&P 500, showcasing a concentration level that is almost unparalleled.
Expanding the focus to include two additional heavyweights, Meta and Tesla, forms what has been dubbed ‘The Magnificent Seven’ (Mag 7). The combined market capitalization of these entities exceeds that of all global stock markets with the exception of the United States. To put this into perspective, the Mag 7’s collective valuation surpasses the entire Chinese stock market, doubles the Japanese market, and quadruples the market size of the United Kingdom.
When scrutinized through the lens of profitability, the picture remains astonishing. Together, the Mag 7 rake in approximately $361 billion annually in profits. This figure aligns with the total earnings of all companies in Japan and significantly outstrips the combined profits of all listed companies in the United Kingdom, which stands at $217 billion. Apple’s annual earnings alone eclipse the total profits of all listed firms in South Korea, and far exceed those in Italy, attesting to their overwhelming financial might.
The implications of such a market structure are profound. According to Deutsche Bank macro strategist, Jim Reid, the magnitude and profitability of these seven corporations render them more akin to countries than conventional companies. This raises important considerations about their resilience and adaptability in changing economic landscapes.
From a historical standpoint, market concentration has tended to be higher during periods of lower yields and vice versa. Despite encountering rising yields, the Mag 7 have demonstrated remarkable resilience. This endurance is often attributed to anticipations of a quick reversal to lower yields. However, the certainty of this trend continuing is being challenged. With leading indicators of inflation currently signaling potential alarm, the economic outlook could pivot considerably.
Brian Pellegrini of Intertemporal Economics highlights the looming threat of a second wave of inflation, drawing parallels to the challenging economic climate of the early 1970s. It’s crucial to recall the Nifty Fifty stocks’ sharp decline during this period, not because they were inherently flawed, but due to their high valuations. Such historical precedents serve as sobering reminders of the potential vulnerabilities facing today’s market giants in an environment of sustained inflationary pressures.
The dominant stance of Apple and the rest of ‘The Magnificent Seven’ within the S&P 500 represents a fascinating intersection of corporate power and market dynamics. As observers and participants in this unfolding narrative, it’s essential to remain vigilant and adaptable to the undercurrents shaping our economic and financial future.
