Microsoft, the American technology powerhouse, leads the global market by value among publicly traded companies, surpassing Apple with a capitalization around 2.89 trillion dollars, ahead of Apple’s roughly 2.87 trillion. This gap was highlighted by major financial trackers and outlets, underscoring Microsoft’s ascent in the stock market.
During a trading session, Microsoft’s stock increased about 1% to 388.47 per share, while Apple saw a modest rise of around 0.2%. The shift marks Microsoft as the more valuable company for the first time since late 2021, a milestone noted by market analysts and reporters.
Experts interviewed point to Microsoft’s strategic focus on artificial intelligence as a central driver of its financial performance, with a clear, technology-forward roadmap that has shaped investor confidence and revenue projections.
Apple’s stock trajectory has faced headwinds since December 2023, driven by concerns over iPhone 15 demand. Additional factors include a decision by authorities in China restricting government staff from using Apple devices at work, along with rating agencies adjusting their outlooks. Collectively, these dynamics contributed to a notable decline in market value for Apple, estimated at around 162 billion dollars from the start of 2024.
Earlier in the year, Microsoft announced substantial investments aimed at expanding the reach of free video game content, aligning with its broader strategy to grow engagement across its gaming platforms and services. (Bloomberg) (CNBC) (Reuters)