Microsoft (MSFT) News Today

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) shares moved today as AI enthusiasm bolstered the cloud franchise, while gaming price hikes and potential visa fee changes weighed on sentiment. Investors cheered Azure’s robust growth, OpenAI partnership milestones and ambitious data-center spending, even as Microsoft’s Xbox division announced another round of U.S. price increases and the prospect of a $100K H-1B visa fee clouded hiring plans.

• Positive Sentiment: Azure growth and AI investments drive optimism, supported by an $80 billion capex plan for AI-optimized data centers and a consensus price target implying 20% upside.Azure Leads While AI Excitement Fuels Microsoft Stock
• Positive Sentiment: MSFT is on track to rejoin the $4 trillion market-cap club as its AI monetization strategies gain traction.MSFT Stock Looks Set to Rejoin the $4 Trillion Club as Microsoft Gets More Ambitious With AI
• Positive Sentiment: OpenAI’s plan to spend $100 billion on backup servers underscores Microsoft’s privileged access to leading AI models.OpenAI Plans to Spend $100 Billion on Backup Servers over the next Five Years
• Neutral Sentiment: Trump’s proposed $100K H-1B visa fee could tighten Microsoft’s access to specialized tech talent.Trump to sign proclamation imposing $100K fee for H-1B visa applications, White House official says
• Neutral Sentiment: Zacks notes that MSFT remains the better risk-adjusted cloud and AI buy versus Oracle, highlighting its diversified revenue streams.Oracle vs. Microsoft: Which Cloud & AI Giant is the Better Buy Now?
• Neutral Sentiment: Analysts offer mixed theories for MSFT’s post-earnings underperformance, from valuation concerns to sector rotation.Analysts offer theories as to why Microsoft's stock has fallen out of favor
• Negative Sentiment: Microsoft raised U.S. Xbox console prices again this year amid rising tariffs and cost pressures, potentially dampening demand.Microsoft hikes Xbox prices in US once again as tariff challenges persist
• Negative Sentiment: Reports from CNBC and Investing.com confirm a second price hike on Xbox consoles this year, adding headwinds to Microsoft’s gaming division.Microsoft raises Xbox prices in U.S. due to economic environment
• Negative Sentiment: Employee morale is reported at “all-time low” following recent layoffs and return-to-office mandates.Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Gains: Morale at an “All-Time Low.”
• Negative Sentiment: MSFT stock is described as being “in a rut” since its earnings beat, reflecting recent underperformance and investor fatigue.Microsoft’s stock has been in a rut since earnings. What’s going on?