If AAPL can hurdle the midpoint resistance at 173.97 (see inset), particularly if it does so decisively, it’s going to be a romp to the 178.32 target. That would put the stock within easy distance of the 180.10 all-time high recorded a month ago. After hitting that mark the stock went into a hellacious, $30 dive. However, the speed with which that loss has been recouped strongly implies that the bull market is alive and well. AAPL’s performance has enormous significance for the stock market as a whole, since, by capitalization, it is the most valuable stock in the world. We’ll stay focused in the meantime on the 173.97 Hidden Pivot, since it is such an important number. _______ UPDATE (Feb 18, 5:05 p.m. EST): Buyers popped the stock above 173.97, setting up a possible ‘mechanical’ buying opportunity on a pullback to the green line (171.80), stop 169.62. I’d suggest 200 shares if you are just getting your feet wet with this type of trade. _______ UPDATE (Feb 20, 7:14 a.m.): I’ve corrected the chart with a new point ‘C’ that effectively lowers the bid to 171.50, stop 169.19. If you bought as initially directed, that would raise your entry risk by 30 cents per share.  Please report any fills in the chat room so that I can adjust my guidance accordingly. _______ UPDATE (10:20 a.m.): No fills reported, but I would urge anyone interested in ‘mechanical’ trades, or skeptical about how well and easily they work, compare the actual chart (15-min) with my trade recommendation.  The stock bottomed at 171.52, implying the ‘mechanical’ bid I’d advised would have missed getting you aboard by two cents. Even so, the pattern and rationale for the trade are picture-perfect. At the moment, the theoretical profit on a four-lot position would be slightly less than $1000. _______ UPDATE (1o:58 a.m.):One fill reported — 200 shares at 171.45. See my 10:50 a.m. chat-room post for detailed instructions. _______ UPDATE (Feb 20, 8:52 p.m.): AAPL turned tail around mid-morning, stopping out the long position. Reports in the chat room suggest that subscribers who did the trade came away with a profit, having cashed out a portion of their positions near the red line (173.79). _______ UPDATE (Feb 21, 6:33 p.m.): The stock would need to fall to at least 167.52 to even hint of possible trouble. Here’s the chart.