It was Jan. 23, and Apple shareholders were dismayed with the company's forecast for the current quarter. Apple stock was having its biggest-ever one-day decline in dollar terms, and Chief Executive Steve Jobs felt a need to reassure the troops. Hang in there, Jobs wrote in an e-mail to employees. Our stock is being buffeted around by factors a lot larger than ourselves.

Consumers' Sinking Confidence and Apple's Withering Stock Value