Alphabet hits record high as Google empire dodges antitrust breakup demand

Shares of Alphabet GOOGL.O hit record high, last up 9% at $231.06 after a U.S. judge ruled against breaking up the Google parent, clearing a major regulatory overhang

*Shares of Apple AAPL.O climb 2.9% to $236.44 as the judge allowed Google to keep making payments to partners such as the iPhone maker to feature its search engine

Judge Amit Mehta late Tuesday allowed Google to retain control of its Chrome browser and Android mobile operating system, while barring certain exclusive contracts with device makers and browser developers

"While this judgement is great news for Google, and being cheered by investors, it is far from the end of the saga," Ben Barringer, head of technology research at Quilter Cheviot says

Barringer adds the case may move to the Supreme Court, but this was anticipated by the judge; consequently, no penalties beyond those already imposed on GOOGL are expected

As of last close, GOOGL up ~12%, while AAPL down ~8% this year