In a surprise that sent its stock tumbling by over seven percent, Apple has confirmed that its CEO Steve Jobs will not be making his trademark keynote speech at the 'Macworld Expo in January and that the company will pull out altogether after this year's edition. Jobs' speeches have been central to the company's product launch and promotion strategies in recent years, and have garnered him cult-like fOllowings. Speculation is rife that Jobs' health is rapidly deteriorating, following recent bouts of illnesses, and that he will retire from the company within months. Meanwhile, the company has down played these rumors, stating that trade shows are simply not a priority for them anymore.