Microsoft’s Global AI Buildout Push Spooks Short-Term Traders
Microsoft shares fell about 4% to around $415 after the company announced an A$25 billion (~$18 billion) push to expand AI infrastructure and cyber defense in Australia through 2029, plus workforce initiatives, signaling a long-term AI bet that comes with higher near-term capex. The move coincides with mixed markets and fresh competitive noise around Copilot plugins. Microsoft is due to report earnings on April 29, 2026 (est. EPS $4.07, revenue $81.4B) as analysts maintain a generally positive stance with elevated price targets.