Correlation Between Microsoft and Apple

Can any of the company-specific risk be diversified away by investing in both Microsoft and Apple at the same time? Although using a correlation coefficient on its own may not help to predict future stock returns, this module helps to understand the diversifiable risk of combining Microsoft and Apple into the same portfolio, which is an essential part of the fundamental portfolio management process.

By analyzing existing cross correlation between Microsoft and Apple Inc, you can compare the effects of market volatilities on Microsoft and Apple and check how they will diversify away market risk if combined in the same portfolio for a given time horizon. You can also utilize pair trading strategies of matching a long position in Microsoft with a short position of Apple. Check out your portfolio center. Please also check ongoing floating volatility patterns of Microsoft and Apple.

Diversification Opportunities for Microsoft and Apple

0.77

Correlation Coefficient

Microsoft  Apple

Poor diversification

The 3 months correlation between Microsoft and Apple is 0.77. Overlapping area represents the amount of risk that can be diversified away by holding Microsoft and Apple Inc in the same portfolio, assuming nothing else is changed. The correlation between historical prices or returns on Apple Inc and Microsoft is a relative statistical measure of the degree to which these equity instruments tend to move together. The correlation coefficient measures the extent to which returns on Microsoft are associated (or correlated) with Apple. Values of the correlation coefficient range from -1 to +1, where. The correlation of zero (0) is possible when the price movement of Apple Inc has no effect on the direction of Microsoft i.e., Microsoft and Apple go up and down completely randomly.

Pair Corralation between Microsoft and Apple

Assuming the 90 days trading horizon Microsoft is expected to under-perform the Apple. But the stock apears to be less risky and, when comparing its historical volatility, Microsoft is 1.6 times less risky than Apple. The stock trades about -0.16 of its potential returns per unit of risk. The Apple Inc is currently generating about -0.09 of returns per unit of risk over similar time horizon. If you would invest  22,267  in Apple Inc on January 17, 2025 and sell it today you would lose (4,897) from holding Apple Inc or give up 21.99% of portfolio value over 90 days.

Time Period	3 Months [change]
Direction	Moves Together
Strength	Significant
Accuracy	100.0%
Values	Daily Returns

Microsoft  vs.  Apple Inc

Microsoft

Risk-Adjusted Performance

Very Weak

Over the last 90 days Microsoft has generated negative risk-adjusted returns adding no value to investors with long positions. In spite of fragile performance in the last few months, the Stock's technical and fundamental indicators remain very healthy which may send shares a bit higher in May 2025. The recent disarray may also be a sign of long period up-swing for the firm investors.

Apple Inc

Risk-Adjusted Performance

Very Weak

Over the last 90 days Apple Inc has generated negative risk-adjusted returns adding no value to investors with long positions. In spite of uncertain performance in the last few months, the Stock's fundamental indicators remain rather sound which may send shares a bit higher in May 2025. The latest tumult may also be a sign of longer-term up-swing for the firm shareholders.

Pair Trading with Microsoft and Apple

The main advantage of trading using opposite Microsoft and Apple positions is that it hedges away some unsystematic risk. Because of two separate transactions, even if Microsoft position performs unexpectedly, Apple can make up some of the losses. Pair trading also minimizes risk from directional movements in the market. For example, if an entire industry or sector drops because of unexpected headlines, the short position in Apple will offset losses from the drop in Apple's long position.

The idea behind Microsoft and Apple Inc pairs trading is to make the combined position market-neutral, meaning the overall market's direction will not affect its win or loss (or potential downside or upside). This can be achieved by designing a pairs trade with two highly correlated stocks or equities that operate in a similar space or sector, making it possible to obtain profits through simple and relatively low-risk investment.

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Note that this page's information should be used as a complementary analysis to find the right mix of equity instruments to add to your existing portfolios or create a brand new portfolio. You can also try the Positions Ratings module to determine portfolio positions ratings based on digital equity recommendations. Macroaxis instant position ratings are based on combination of fundamental analysis and risk-adjusted market performance.