Microsoft Stock Rallies in Final Minutes, Avoids Eight-Week Losing Streak

Key Highlights:

• Microsoft’s stock rebounded in the last 10 minutes of trading, preventing an eight-week losing streak.

• The company last faced a prolonged decline in 2008 during the global financial crisis.

• Shares remain down 16% from their record high in July 2024.

Microsoft’s Late Rally Ends Losing Streak

Microsoft Corp. narrowly avoided an unprecedented eight-week losing streak after a sudden surge in stock value in the final moments of Friday’s trading session. The stock climbed 0.7% for the week, closing at $391.26, after showing signs of decline earlier in the day.

Had the dip continued, it would have marked the company’s longest consecutive weekly downturn since the 2008 financial crisis, when Microsoft’s shares slumped for nine straight weeks. Despite the late rally, the tech giant’s stock is still down 7% in 2025.

AI Boom Fails to Shield Microsoft from Market Challenges

Microsoft’s ongoing stock fluctuations come despite its leading role in artificial intelligence development. The company maintains a strong partnership with OpenAI, continues to expand its Azure cloud business, and has integrated AI technologies across multiple product lines.

However, recent concerns over economic instability have weighed on the stock, with investors wary of potential recession risks linked to President Donald Trump’s tariffs and cost-cutting measures.

Market Pressure and Growing Competition

Since achieving a record closing price of $467.56 in July 2024, Microsoft’s stock has dropped by 16%, bringing its market valuation down to $2.9 trillion. The decline follows weaker-than-expected revenue guidance issued on January 30.

Meanwhile, the cloud and AI sectors continue to heat up, with competitors like Amazon and Google ramping up their own innovations. Google’s recent $32 billion acquisition of cloud security firm Wiz signals heightened competition in the market.

As Microsoft navigates these challenges, investors remain focused on how the company will leverage its AI investments to regain momentum in the months ahead.