US stock markets opened in positive territory on Thursday, driven by a divergence in investor sentiment toward major technology firms.
Microsoft shares led the advance after the company reported strong quarterly results, reinforcing confidence in its cloud and AI monetization strategy.
In contrast, Meta Platforms faced selling pressure as investors scrutinized the escalating costs of its artificial intelligence infrastructure build-out.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average and broader indices extended a multi-day rally, with technology stocks once again acting as the primary engine for market gains.
The session reflects a nuanced repricing within the sector: while AI-driven growth remains a dominant theme, capital discipline is increasingly applied to companies with high capital expenditure profiles.
Microsoft’s ability to demonstrate near-term revenue impact from its AI investments provided a safe haven for risk-on flows, whereas Meta’s aggressive spending plans triggered caution among traders focused on margin sustainability.