Near-Term Profit-Taking in Tech Giants: Analyzing Apple and Nvidia Amid Dow's Momentum

The Dow Jones Industrial Average's relentless ascent in September 2025 has positioned tech heavyweights like Apple (AAPL) and Nvidia (NVDA) at the forefront of market speculation. With the index nearing 46,500, driven by dovish Federal Reserve signals and resilient corporate earningsDow Jones nears 46,500 breakout amid stealth tech …^[2], traders are scrutinizing technical levels to balance growth potential with profit-taking risks. This analysis delves into the nuanced technical profiles of AAPL and NVDA, offering actionable insights for investors navigating the Dow's current momentum.

Apple: A Golden Cross Amid Mixed Momentum

Apple's stock has formed a textbook “golden cross,” with its 50-day moving average ($224.6) surpassing the 200-day line ($212.7), signaling institutional bullishnessNVDA Technical Analysis, RSI and Moving Averages - Investing.com^[3]. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 41.3 suggests neutral momentum, neither overbought nor oversoldNVDA Technical Analysis, RSI and Moving Averages - Investing.com^[3]. This creates a critical juncture: while the golden cross historically predicts upward trends, the MACD (2.7) languishing below its signal line hints at waning short-term buying pressureNVDA Technical Analysis, RSI and Moving Averages - Investing.com^[3].

Key resistance levels for AAPL are currently clustered around $257, with support at $225Apple (AAPL) Support/Resistance Levels - AltIndex^[6]. Traders should monitor these thresholds closely. A breakout above $257 could validate the bullish case, but failure to hold above $225 might trigger a retest of longer-term support. For profit-taking, investors might consider partial exits near $245–$250, a zone where RSI neutrality and MACD divergence could foreshadow a pullback.

Nvidia: Bullish Fundamentals vs. Bearish Divergence

Nvidia's technical picture is more complex. While its RSI (52.98) remains in neutral territoryApple (AAPL) - Technical Analysis - US 30^[5], the MACD (0.12) has crossed into bearish territory, suggesting near-term exhaustionApple (AAPL) - Technical Analysis - US 30^[5]. This divergence is amplified by the stock's proximity to key resistance at $177.91 and $179.57Apple (AAPL) - Technical Analysis - US 30^[5]. Despite this, Nvidia's moving averages—all below the current price of $176.67—reinforce a long-term upward biasApple (AAPL) - Technical Analysis - US 30^[5].

The Williams %R (-22.27) and Price Rate of Change (1.44) further complicate the narrative, both signaling buy signalsApple (AAPL) - Technical Analysis - US 30^[5]. This duality reflects a market torn between Nvidia's foundational strength and profit-taking pressures. Traders might target $175–$177 as a profit-taking range, leveraging the R2 resistance level as a dynamic stop-loss. A breakdown below $171.29 (S2) could accelerate selling, particularly if broader market sentiment falters.

Strategic Implications for the Dow's Rally

The Dow's recent surge above 46,000Dow Jones nears 46,500 breakout amid stealth tech …^[2] has been fueled by Apple and Nvidia's outperformance, but their technical indicators reveal divergent risks. Apple's golden cross and neutral RSI suggest a more sustainable uptrend, whereas Nvidia's bearish MACD and tight resistance levels imply heightened volatility. Investors should prioritize Apple for holding positions while using Nvidia's near-term resistance as a trigger for partial exits.

Risks and Market Context

While technical indicators provide a roadmap, external factors remain pivotal. Moderating inflation and dovish Fed commentaryDow Jones nears 46,500 breakout amid stealth tech …^[2] have underpinned risk appetite, but a sudden spike in inflation or geopolitical shocks could derail the Dow's momentum. Additionally, sector rotation—evidenced by declines in chip stocks like Arm HoldingsApple (AAPL) - Technical Analysis - US 30^[5]—highlights the need for caution in overexposed tech positions.

Conclusion

For investors eyeing profit-taking in September 2025, Apple and Nvidia present distinct opportunities. Apple's structural bullishness offers a safer harbor for long-term holders, while Nvidia's near-term resistance levels demand tactical precision. As the Dow approaches 46,500, balancing technical signals with macroeconomic context will be key to navigating this pivotal phase in the market cycle.