This is not just a simple social commentary, this is people's hard earned investments being thrown about in an almost criminal act of negligence. IMO.

If I were an investor in his service I would have a HUGE problem...and as an investor outside his service I have a huge problem as well, in that his position affords him leveraged access to the media, causing the stock to make unusual moves affecting literally billions of dollars invested. I don't see how you don't see that is a problem.

If I were an investor in his service I would have a HUGE problem...and as an investor outside his service I have a huge problem as well, in that his position affords him leveraged access to the media, causing the stock to make unusual moves affecting literally billions of dollars invested. I don't see how you don't see that is a problem.

It's not quite so simple. If the analyst stated their method of analysis upfront and was consistent across the board, that would be one thing. But this rating is out of the blue. Investors join advisory services based on clear expectations of philosophy and methodology of the analysts or fund(s) they represent. As far as I know, this is a first for this guy. Also, consider that he is only one of a handful, I think 2 or 3 analysts out of 60 major analysts that have a negative rating on Apple. It sounds to me like this person has an itch for Apple. Plus the fact that his target hasn't changed and is higher than the current price, adds to the confusion. So, inprinciple I agree with you, that an analyst can do whatever they want. But when they act irrationally, then they are doing a diservice not only to their clients, but also to the public at large when their ratings are released to the public.