Microsoft Rises Up to Nearly 4% Post-Earnings on Strong Azure Growth and Cash Flow

Microsoft shares advanced nearly 4% in extended trading following stronger-than-expected quarterly financial results. The gains were driven by better-than-expected growth in its Azure cloud computing division and robust cash flow metrics. Microsoft's rally stood out against broader tech sector weakness, where rival Alphabet plummeted roughly 10% on soft earnings and heavy artificial intelligence capital spending. Broader market futures declined, with Nasdaq 100 futures sliding between 1.2% and 1.5%, while investors scrutinized the near-term returns of massive AI infrastructure expenditures across the technology sector.