Spotlight: Apple Shares Jump 5% on Jobs Speculation

Beleaguered Apple Computer Inc. stock jumped 5% amid speculation that Steve Jobs, the company’s charismatic co-founder, would be named chairman shortly. Shares of the Cupertino-based firm rose 88 cents to close at $17.38 on Nasdaq. Apple ousted Gilbert Amelio as chairman and CEO three weeks ago and reportedly plans to announce Jobs’ appointment next week. If the speculation turns out to be true, Apple stands to capitalize on Jobs’ popularity among Macintosh users.