INSTANT VIEW: Apple CEO Jobs to take medical leave

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Apple Inc Chief Executive Steve Jobs said on Wednesday that he had discovered that his health-related issues were more complex than he had originally thought and that he had decided to take a medical leave of absence.

Jobs, who earlier this month said his recent weight loss had been caused by a hormonal imbalance that was relatively simple to treat, said he had asked Tim Cook, currently the company's chief operating officer, to be responsible for the company's day-to-day operations while he is on leave.

The following is reaction from industry analysts and investors:

BRIAN MARSHALL, ANALYST WITH BROADPOINT.AMTECH IN SAN FRANCISCO

"This is obviously very sad news but I do think it's the right thing to do. The next six months are going to be basically a trial period for Tim Cook to be CEO. And if that period goes well, my expectation is that Steve will pass the baton over to Tim in June and basically Steve will be his senior adviser."

"I think he will step down as CEO when this is over and I believe he will be a senior adviser going forward."

"Jonathan Ive, who is the head of product development, along with his team, in conjunction with Steve, are a very able team and will be able to continue to put out innovative products and identify the proper strategic directions that they need to go to.

"The stock will be volatile, but I think we're approaching bottom from a valuation perspective. So pretty soon we can start to get constructive."

TED PARRISH, PORTFOLIO MANAGER AT THE HENSSLER EQUITY FUND IN KENNESAW, GEORGIA, WHICH OWNS APPLE STOCK